How the Government Traced Billions in Stolen Bitcoin
The U.S. government said it recovered roughly $3.6 billion in stolen bitcoin this week and arrested two people it said were laundering it. But tracking crypto through a web of digital transactions to identify bad actors is no simple feat. WSJ crypto reporter Paul Vigna joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the feds tracked the bitcoin and what it means for future crypto-related crimes. Learn mor...
13m Feb 11, 2022
13m
Would You Pay for a String of Emojis? If So, Yats Are for You.
Some celebrities and investors are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on Yats, unique strings of emojis that can be used as URLs. Some say Yats will be the next big digital collectible after NFTs. But what are they? WSJ consumer trends reporter Rachel Wolfe joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why some people see value in them and others remain skeptical. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
12m Feb 10, 2022
12m
After Nvidia and SoftBank’s Major Chip Deal Fell Through, What’s Next?
Japanese investor SoftBank and semiconductor manufacturer Nvidia have scrapped their planned $40 billion deal for the chip design specialist Arm. WSJ Heard on the Street Tech columnist Dan Gallagher joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why the deal was called off and what it could mean for other players in the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Feb 09, 2022
12m
What Will Working in the Metaverse Be Like?
Supporters of the metaverse say it will change how we shop, hang out with friends and even how we work. So how would being employed in the metaverse change how we do our jobs? And what are the potential downsides? Tech reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Feb 08, 2022
13m
After Covid-19 Vaccines, What Else Can mRNA Tech Do?
The Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were the first products using mRNA tech to get approved for use. Now scientists and researchers are looking at other uses for that tech, such as more effective flu vaccines or creating the first effective HIV vaccine. Health reporter Jared S. Hopkins joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss where this health tech could be headed next. Learn more about your ...
14m Feb 07, 2022
14m
Facebook’s Metaverse Growing Pains Give Investors a Reality Check
Facebook’s parent company Meta wants to reposition itself for the metaverse, and it’s spending heavily to do so. But for the moment it’s still a social-media company, one that reported one million fewer daily active users last quarter and a slowdown in advertising sales. Tech reporter Meghan Bobrowsky joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how investors are reacting and what it means for the wider te...
12m Feb 04, 2022
12m
Grocery Delivery Startups Rack Up Losses in Bid for Dominance
Startups aiming to deliver groceries in a matter of minutes are losing lots of money, and fast. Yet venture capitalists keep the investment dollars pouring in. The WSJ’s startups and venture capital reporter Eliot Brown joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how this battle is playing out in New York City and why investors think now is the moment to make the “instant delivery” industry a reality. Lea...
14m Feb 03, 2022
14m
Crypto Trial Could Reshape How the Industry Is Regulated
A lawsuit between the Securities and Exchange Commission and crypto startup Ripple Labs will test just how far regulators can go in enforcing old finance and trading rules with cryptocurrencies. WSJ reporter Dave Michaels, who covers financial enforcement, joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the closely watched case and how players in crypto think they can use the verdict to their advantage. Learn...
13m Feb 02, 2022
13m
Social Media Is Making Connected Moms Feel More Lonely
For Generation X moms, social media used to be the place they could turn to find support. But since the pandemic, they’ve been reporting that it’s adding to their sense of isolation and fear of missing out. On today’s show, a Gen X mom shares her personal experience and Wall Street Journal Family and Tech Columnist Julie Jargon talks with host Zoe Thomas about how middle age moms can overcome t...
13m Feb 01, 2022
13m
Who Really Won in the Meme Stock ‘Revolution’?
Many saw the run-up in meme stocks like GameStop and AMC last year as a way for small investors to turn the tables on Wall Street. But a year later, it’s clear that many of the people it was meant to subvert actually walked away lining their pockets. WSJ Heard on the Street editor Spencer Jakab joins host Julie Chang to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jan 31, 2022
13m
Covid Tests From Tech Startups Promise Accuracy Without the Wait
Health-tech startups have created lab-like molecular Covid-19 tests that you can use from the comfort of your own home. WSJ Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern joins host Julie Chang to explain how they work and whether their steep price tag is worth the buy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jan 28, 2022
12m
Threat of Cyberwar in Ukraine Has Companies Preparing for Attacks
As diplomats try to convince Russia to pull troops back from Ukraine's border, companies are preparing for the possible fallout of cyberattacks against Ukraine. WSJ Pro Cybersecurity reporter David Uberti joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the risks of cyber warfare and what companies are doing to shore up their defenses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15m Jan 27, 2022
15m
How Gen Z Is Reshaping Fintech
Generation Z has grown up with online banking, payment apps and digital investing platforms. Now as the generation comes of age, financial firms find themselves having to do a lot more to gain the business of these digital-native customers. WSJ contributor Svati Kirsten Narula joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what fintech firms are doing to attract young users. Learn more about your ad choices....
15m Jan 26, 2022
15m
Facebook’s Free Internet Programs Charged Users Millions of Dollars
To grow its user base in developing countries, Facebook offered free internet access. But internal company documents show users were charged fees by cellular providers that collectively added up to millions of dollars a month. WSJ reporter Justin Scheck joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how users ended up being charged and what it says about the challenges of growing in poorer countries. Learn m...
15m Jan 25, 2022
15m
Nanotech Promised to Change the World. It Already Has.
For decades, scientists have predicted that nanotechnology would change our world. It may already have. As microchips have gotten smaller, the machines used to scale them down have helped unlock nanotech’s possibilities. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how nanotech is being used right now and its potential for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
13m Jan 24, 2022
13m
Ancestry CEO on DNA Testing, Hybrid Work and Women in Tech
Deb Liu, CEO of genealogy company Ancestry.com, discusses the challenges women face rising in the tech industry, ways to get ahead and the sometimes difficult revelations brought by her company’s DNA testing. She spoke with WSJ live journalism news editor Ellie Austin at The Wall Street Journal’s recent Women In: The Tech Industry event. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
13m Jan 21, 2022
13m
Bills to Rein In Big Tech Face Fierce Lobbying Ahead of Key Meeting
The Senate Judiciary Committee is meeting on Thursday to discuss two bills that could rein in the power of big tech, and both the tech giants and their detractors are spending big to lobby for or against them. WSJ reporter Brody Mullins joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what is in the bills and how the lobbying efforts are playing out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jan 20, 2022
13m
Microsoft to Buy Activision Blizzard… and Its Troubles
Microsoft said it plans to acquire Activision Blizzard, the publisher of games such as World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. Since last year, Activision has been rocked by accusations that its workplace culture led to gender discrimination and sexual harassment. WSJ tech reporter Sarah Needleman joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why Microsoft is interested in Activision and what the deal could mean...
13m Jan 19, 2022
13m
China’s Tech Sector Attracts Record Investment Despite Crackdown
China cracked down on its biggest tech companies last year, but that didn't stop investors from pouring record amounts of funding into the nation’s tech sector. Tech reporter Liza Lin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss which kinds of startups benefited the most, and what it tells us about Beijing’s long-term goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15m Jan 17, 2022
15m
How Some TikTok Stars Out-Earn Top CEOs
The highest-earning TikTok star made more last year than the average CEO of an S&P 500 company. WSJ reporter Joseph Pisani joins host Julie Chang to explain how those influencers are raking in the bucks and how big brands are looking to incorporate them into their business strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Jan 14, 2022
12m
What Apple’s Texting App Tells Us About Its Strategy to Attract Users
The must-have social network for teens is… iMessage? Apple has created an ecosystem on its iPhone that attracts more than 70% of young smartphone users in the U.S. WSJ reporter Tim Higgins joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss Apple’s strategy in reaching this point, and why competitors and lawmakers aren’t too happy about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Jan 12, 2022
13m
Tech Giants Battle for Metaverse Workers
Big tech companies have set their sights on building the metaverse as the next digital realm for work, play and shopping. But first they have to build it, and that is leading to intense competition for the top tech talent. Tech reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jan 11, 2022
14m
Tech to Locate Any Object, Unlock Car Doors, and Eliminate Passwords
Location technology is getting better and better … and ultra-wideband could soon make it easier to unlock doors, turn on smart devices and even limit the need for passwords. But first the companies developing this technology need to get over privacy hurdles. WSJ Tech Columnist Christopher Mims speaks with Tech News Briefing’s Julie Chang about how UWB could reshape how we interact with our devi...
14m Jan 11, 2022
14m
How Trump’s Social Media Ban Impacted Him, Platforms
January 8th marked one year since Twitter permanently banned former president Donald Trump from its platform. Other social media companies soon followed suit. WSJ tech reporter Georgia Wells joins host Julie Chang for a look back at the past year and explains how the companies and even Trump benefited from the ban. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jan 09, 2022
14m
The US Military's Battle Against Hobby Drones (Armed With Explosives)
The U.S. military’s newest and most-concerning tactical threat is cheap hobby drones rigged with explosives. WSJ’s Middle East correspondent Stephen Kalin joins host Julie Chang to explain why fighting back against the aerial gadgets has become a big battlefield problem, mostly in the Middle East, and a seemingly never ending cat-and-mouse game for troops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
13m Jan 07, 2022
13m
EVs Take Center Stage at CES Tech Show
General Motors, Chrysler and electronics giant Sony unveiled their visions for the future of electric cars at the tech conference CES. WSJ reporter Mike Colias joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the designs, why more tech companies are eying the auto industry and what it means for the broader EV market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Jan 06, 2022
14m
CES Kicks Off With Robot Tables, Smart Remotes And Self-Driving Boats
The annual consumer tech trade show CES opens to the public in Las Vegas on Wednesday. For decades, the event has been the place to reveal devices that may one day become staples in homes and offices. WSJ Personal Tech News Editor Shara Tibken joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the most exciting trends and gadgets being revealed at this year's event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...
14m Jan 05, 2022
14m
Theranos Founder Holmes Found Guilty on Four Counts in Fraud Trial
In a mixed verdict, Elizabeth Holmes, founder of defunct blood testing startup Theranos, has been found guilty of four of the 11 fraud and conspiracy charges against her. The verdict caps a remarkable fall for a darling of Silicon Valley investors. WSJ Reporter Sara Randazzo joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what the verdict means for Holmes and the tech sector. Learn more about your ad choices...
10m Jan 04, 2022
10m
5G Showdown: Wireless Carriers Rebuff Air Regulators
Cellphone carriers plan to go ahead with the launch of 5G service this week despite federal transportation regulators’ concerns it could lead to disruptions in air travel. WSJ telecommunications reporter Drew FitzGerald joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what the game of chicken could mean for cell service, travelers, and the airline and telecom industries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
13m Jan 04, 2022
13m
The New Tech Trends For 2022!
As 2022 kicks off, how will technology shape the coming year? Will robots, cheaper electric vehicles and drone deliveries change our lives? WSJ’s Tech Columnist Christopher Mims, Personal Tech Columnist Nicole Nguyen, and Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern join host Zoe Thomas to discuss what new tech they are looking forward to getting their hands on. Learn more about your ad choices....
17m Jan 03, 2022
17m
Tonal CEO Bets on Fitness Personalization
Aly Orady, founder and CEO of fitness company Tonal, says artificial intelligence is better and safer than a human trainer. At the WSJ's Tech Live event, he spoke with host Zoe Thomas about personalized workouts, how the company uses customers' data and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10m Dec 30, 2021
10m
The TikTok Spiral, Part 3: Escape the Algorithm
When TikTok users start to feel that the videos being shown to them are harmful to their well-being, how easy is it to disengage? And what responsibility do authorities, from parents to governments to TikTok itself, have in keeping the platform safe? This is the final episode of Tech News Briefing’s special three-part series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
22m Dec 29, 2021
22m
The TikTok Spiral, Part 2: Stuck. Together.
When it comes to TikTok videos that discuss mental health, eating disorders and self-harm, deciphering what is helpful and what is harmful can be hard for TikTok’s algorithm. And even when users share videos of their recovery, their posts can send others into spirals. So how do TikTokers try to help each other in this gray area? This is part two of Tech News Briefing’s special series. Learn mor...
25m Dec 28, 2021
25m
The TikTok Spiral, Part 1: Descent
TikTok’s powerful algorithm is exceptionally good at engaging users. But what happens when the endless scroll on the app turns into a stream of potentially harmful content, including on starvation diets, self-harm and suicide? And why do users who say they didn't go looking for this type of content still see so much of it? This is the first part of Tech News Briefing’s special three-part series...
20m Dec 27, 2021
20m
Next Week: The TikTok Spiral
Starting Monday, Tech News Briefing will be bringing you a special series on the potentially devastating impacts of social media, in particular TikTok. Over three episodes, we will look at how users can get trapped in a cycle of potentially damaging content, why it can be hard for TikTok’s algorithm to decipher what is helpful from what is harmful, and who has responsibility for keeping the pla...
3m Dec 24, 2021
3m
How NASA’s Webb Space Telescope Will See Into Deep Space
After more than a decade of delays, the most powerful space telescope ever built is set to be launched this weekend. Once in action, the James Webb Space Telescope will replace the Hubble, which has been orbiting Earth for 30 years. WSJ science writer Robert Lee Hotz joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the new telescope works and why astronomers say it will be worth the wait. Learn more about ...
12m Dec 23, 2021
12m
Digital Tricks to Buy Hard-to-Get Items Online
Bots, Facebook groups, 3 a.m. notifications… There are various online tools available to help you sidestep this shopping season’s widespread supply-chain issues and scoop up the items you’re after. Reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara from the WSJ's Experience Report joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Dec 22, 2021
11m
Oracle Wants to Buy Itself a Bigger Spot in the Cloud
Oracle said it would purchase electronic-medical-records company Cerner for roughly $28 billion. Medical data is one of the top drivers of growth for cloud computing, a space where Oracle is hoping to expand its market share. WSJ reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 21, 2021
13m
Could ‘Web 3.0’ Democratize the Internet?
Some investors, engineers and tech dreamers are developing plans for what they hope will be a better version of the internet. In their vision, “Web 3.0” will be more democratic, rely less on big tech and allow anyone to monetize anything online. But not everyone shares that vision. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
12m Dec 20, 2021
12m
How Computer Makers Aim to Cut E-Waste
Companies are working to develop "circular" manufacturing processes to reduce waste, bring down costs and make electronics easier to repair. But there are many challenges to making laptops and other devices fully recyclable. WSJ Pro Sustainable Business reporter Dieter Holger joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how Dell is trying to make it work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
11m Dec 17, 2021
11m
Hackers Backed by Foreign Governments See Opportunity With Log4j Bug
A major software flaw has cybersecurity experts worried, and now Microsoft and some cybersecurity firms say they have found hackers tied to China and other governments working to exploit the bug. WSJ cybersecurity reporter Robert McMillan joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss who could be affected and for how long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Dec 16, 2021
11m
Space Industry's Banner Year: What Comes Next?
There have been more human space flights this year than any other, and private companies with paying customers are starting to make their mark on the industry. So what comes next for the space sector and humanity's ambitions among the stars? WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 15, 2021
13m
Facebook Shareholders Want More Power Following Investigations
Shareholders of Facebook parent Meta are calling for a range of changes to how the company operates, following revelations that internal research showed the company's platforms can be harmful to some users. WSJ reporter Emily Glazer joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what investors want and how likely they are to succeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 14, 2021
13m
Google's Plans for Artificial Intelligence Without Bias
Google's VP of Engineering shares her thoughts on the challenges of developing responsible artificial intelligence and avoiding AI bias with WSJ Columnist Christopher Mims. Julie Chang hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13m Dec 13, 2021
13m
Amazon Upends the Labor Market
Amazon's growing need for warehouse workers means the company is dominating the hiring market. WSJ reporter Sebastian Herrera joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the effect Amazon is having on low-skilled workers and the other companies competing to hire them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Dec 10, 2021
12m
Musicians Turn to Data to Court Superfans
The pandemic opened up whole new ways for musicians and recording artists to collect data on their audience. Now they are using that data to connect with and sell things to their biggest fans. Music-industry reporter Anne Steele joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the data that musicians are gathering and how it is reshaping the music industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
12m Dec 09, 2021
12m
Elon Musk on Federal EV Support, Telepathy and Reusable Rockets
Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the electric-vehicle market would be better off without government support or intervention. He spoke with the WSJ's Senior Personal Tech Columnist Joanna Stern at the WSJ's CEO Council Summit about a wide range of topics, from innovation and leadership to telepathy and reusable rockets. Zoe Thomas hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14m Dec 08, 2021
14m
Your Data Is Worth a Lot. Should You Get a Cut?
Most of us unknowingly give away our data for free every time we go online. But a growing number of startups want to help people better manage their personal information, and give them a cut of the profit when it's sold. WSJ reporter Patience Haggin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how these companies want to shake up the multibillion-dollar digital-ad industry. Learn more about your ad choices...
12m Dec 07, 2021
12m
How Spies Are Adapting in a Tech-Filled World
Surveillance cameras, biometrics and smartphone data all make it harder for spies to remain in the shadows. National-security reporter Warren Strobel joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why technology is a blessing and a curse to spycraft, and how intelligence agencies like the CIA are adapting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15m Dec 06, 2021
15m
Nuclear Fusion: The Future of Energy or Just an Investor Fad?
Scientists have been working for decades to replicate the sun's nearly limitless energy on Earth through nuclear fusion. Now investors are pouring billions of dollars into startups working to make it happen on a commercial scale. WSJ energy reporter Jennifer Hiller joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why the holy grail of energy has been out of reach for so long, and why money for its development ...
13m Dec 03, 2021
13m