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WSJ Tech News Briefing

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The Wall Street Journal

Tech News Briefing is your guide to what people in tech are talking about. Every weekday, we’ll bring you breaking tech news and scoops from the pros at the Wall Street Journal, insight into new innovations and policy debates, tips from our personal tech team, and exclusive interviews with movers and shakers in the industry. Hosted by Zoe Thomas

#20

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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/tiktoks-transparency-campaign-echoes-effort-by-huawei-to-ease-security-concerns-11675323193?st=rd11gj50zfiyqwq&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

Yesterday

13 MINS

13:06

Yesterday

#19

Microsoft’s Push to Become an AI Leader

Microsoft is positioning itself to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence, spending billions to invest in OpenAI. But how does it plan to [incorporate programs from the creator of ChatGPT] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/chatgpt-spotlights-microsofts-early-efforts-to-monetize-ai-11674964348?st=3qmn9mlpl5quiqp&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) and Dall-E 2? And how are competitors reacting? WSJ Microsoft reporter Tom Dotan joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

02 Feb 2023

13 MINS

13:33

02 Feb 2023

#18

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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-twitter-feed-algorithm-menswear-guy-11674933231?st=u4lk6a6xtkbt5fs&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) . 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 your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

01 Feb 2023

12 MINS

12:20

01 Feb 2023

#17

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.] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/meta-ai-facebook-instagram-reels-ad-targeting-11674829286) WSJ social-media reporter Salvador Rodriguez joins host Zoe Thomas to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

31 Jan 2023

11 MINS

11:11

31 Jan 2023

#16

In Africa, FTX Promised Stability and Swag

Across Africa [FTX used brand ambassadors and glitzy events to attract new users] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-africa-ftx-posed-as-haven-from-tumbling-currencies-inflation-11674027751) . 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. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

30 Jan 2023

14 MINS

14:58

30 Jan 2023

#15

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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-block-scam-calls-the-top-source-of-fraud-against-older-adults-11673051224) . WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what they are and how they work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

27 Jan 2023

13 MINS

13:52

27 Jan 2023

#14

Apple Avoids Layoffs Hitting the Rest of Tech, for Now

Apple has so far been able to [avoid the huge layoffs] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-apple-has-so-far-avoided-layoffs-lean-hiring-no-free-lunches-11674274185?st=an59itoh7a3l5qa&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

26 Jan 2023

13 MINS

13:39

26 Jan 2023

#13

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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-sues-google-for-alleged-antitrust-violations-in-its-ad-tech-business-11674582792?st=pt60hm3ebzgoblj&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) . 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 ramifications for online advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

25 Jan 2023

11 MINS

11:37

25 Jan 2023

#12

In the Battle Between Microsoft and Google, What Role Could AI Play?

Microsoft is [deepening its partnership with OpenAI] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-says-it-plans-multibillion-dollar-investment-in-openai-11674483180?st=zfvpfnmrkowhm6k&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) , 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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-and-google-will-both-have-to-bear-ais-costs-11674006102?st=vdila35amta9t4t&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

24 Jan 2023

14 MINS

14:32

24 Jan 2023

#11

China’s Tech Crackdown Winds Up

Beijing appears to be [nearing the end of a two-year crackdown] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/beijing-signals-two-year-internet-crackdown-may-be-coming-to-an-end-11673259090?st=jj08996rz3rnhg3&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) on the county’s big tech companies. Some of China's most [well-known and influential internet companies] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-buys-stake-in-alibaba-unit-signaling-new-normal-of-state-oversight-11673620030?st=ylcezovva4tg453&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) 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 [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

23 Jan 2023

15 MINS

15:03

23 Jan 2023

#10

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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/lasers-can-guide-dangerous-lightning-strikes-to-a-safer-path-study-shows-11673884829?st=8ugy9g73x13997g&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) . 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.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

20 Jan 2023

14 MINS

14:20

20 Jan 2023

#9

The 3-D Printing Revolution Is Quietly Under Way

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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/3-d-printing-iceland-fish-supply-chains-desktop-metal-11673642250?st=nrok40ncu8bg1d7&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) . 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

19 Jan 2023

14 MINS

14:25

19 Jan 2023

#8

TikTok Offers More Transparency to Win Over U.S. Regulators

TikTok is [trying a new tactic in its efforts to reach a deal with U.S. regulators] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/tiktok-tries-to-win-allies-in-the-u-s-with-more-transparency-11673836560?st=whqvb9oa4zoppx8&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) that would allow it to keep operating in the county: more transparency. But what exactly is the social-media platform willing to reveal and how much will it help address U.S. concerns about its Chinese ownership? WSJ social-media reporter Georgia Wells joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

18 Jan 2023

13 MINS

13:57

18 Jan 2023

#7

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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/space-launches-should-withstand-chinese-challenge-pentagon-mandate-says-11673324393?st=2z2movj8ymb5vg2&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) and [satellite launches] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/spacex-aims-to-increase-launches-as-rivals-prep-new-rockets-11673132510?st=7cm4aug6y4nxb2e&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) . 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

17 Jan 2023

14 MINS

14:40

17 Jan 2023

#6

How to Make 5G Feel Like Less of a Letdown

Cellular carriers advertised 5G as a game changer for connectivity. But for many of us, the promised changes and improvements are hard to notice. WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern joins host Zoe Thomas to explain [why the newest network hasn’t changed how you use your phone] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/its-not-just-you-5g-is-a-big-letdown-11673441300?st=wckmi2emxnhq44l&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) and the ways you can still make the most of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

13 Jan 2023

15 MINS

15:26

13 Jan 2023

#5

Can Deepfakes Be Regulated? China Is Giving It a Shot

China is implementing [new rules aimed at limiting the production of deepfakes] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-a-pioneer-in-regulating-algorithms-turns-its-focus-to-deepfakes-11673149283?st=nqb9qe08ikbh37x&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) , 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

12 Jan 2023

13 MINS

13:16

12 Jan 2023

#4

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?] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-city-wants-more-evs-but-needs-to-find-space-for-chargers-11673219507?st=cdd9m2sxrvsubtp&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) WSJ energy reporter Jennifer Hiller joins host Zoe Thomas to talk about how the city is trying to solve the problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

10 Jan 2023

13 MINS

13:35

10 Jan 2023

#3

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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/tech-industry-reversal-intensifies-with-new-rounds-of-layoffs-11673134201?st=e5kjkwlwqlok3lh&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) . 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 [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

09 Jan 2023

12 MINS

12:47

09 Jan 2023

#2

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] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/this-high-tech-fishing-gear-aims-to-protect-endangered-whales-11670506140?st=cao6lwx8lnptk63&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink) 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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

09 Jan 2023

13 MINS

13:53

09 Jan 2023

#1

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] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

06 Jan 2023

16 MINS

16:03

06 Jan 2023

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#20

Can TikTok’s Transparency Ease Lawmakers’ Concerns?

#19

Microsoft’s Push to Become an AI Leader

#18

What the ‘Menswear Guy’ Tells Us About Twitter’s Future

#17

AI Could be Key to Facebook Parent Meta’s Turnaround

#16

In Africa, FTX Promised Stability and Swag

#15

Tech to Block Scam Calls Still Defrauding Older Adults

#14

Apple Avoids Layoffs Hitting the Rest of Tech, for Now

#13

DOJ Slaps Google With Antitrust Lawsuit Over Its Digital Ad Business

#12

In the Battle Between Microsoft and Google, What Role Could AI Play?

#11

China’s Tech Crackdown Winds Up

#10

Lasers Could Help Deflect Danger From Lightning Strikes

#9

The 3-D Printing Revolution Is Quietly Under Way

#8

TikTok Offers More Transparency to Win Over U.S. Regulators

#7

Space Industry Races to Increase Launches and Defense Capabilities

#6

How to Make 5G Feel Like Less of a Letdown

#5

Can Deepfakes Be Regulated? China Is Giving It a Shot

#4

To Boost EVs, New York Has to Decide Where to Put the Chargers

#3

Tech Layoffs Pile Up as Bosses Reverse Course

#2

How High-Tech Lobster Traps Could Help Save Whales

#1

Best of CES: What Gadgets Stood Out at This Year’s Big Tech Show?