WSJ Tech News Briefing

This week, voters across the country rejected data center expansion, backing ballot measures and candidates to ban or slow development. WSJ reporter Will Parker explains what this means for projects currently underway—and for the tech companies powering the AI boom. Julie Chang hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week, $6.3 billion was siphoned from Binance—the world’s largest crypto exchange—in about 20 minutes. WSJ cybersecurity reporter Bob McMillan and reporter Sam Kessler discuss how North Korean hackers pulled off the largest financial heist of all time, and what this means for the future of cryptocurrency. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People are adopting AI agents to research and buy products—and that’s putting Amazon’s $70 billion advertising business at risk. WSJ’s Isabella Simonetti breaks down why bots that can shop pose such a threat to the e-commerce giant, and how Amazon is fighting back. Julie Chang hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aftermarket devices promise to turn some recent model cars into hands-free vehicles. WSJ reporter Christopher Otts explains how these kits work, what it’s like to ride with one, and the growing safety, regulatory, and industry questions surrounding third-party driver-assistance tech. Julie Chang hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s spooky season, and security cameras are giving some homeowners chills instead of peace of mind. Across the country, smart home devices are capturing what some say are potential paranormal encounters. WSJ family & tech columnist Julie Jargon spoke with people who say their cameras picked up something they couldn't explain. Julie Chang hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anthropic's recent S-1 filing revealed the company’s unusual risk factors, impressive enterprise revenue growth, and massive capital needs. WSJ reporters Bob McMillan, Kate Clark, and Berber Jin discuss how Anthropic managed to debut ahead of chief rival OpenAI, and what Anthropic’s IPO means for the future of the AI industry. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. military plans to buy millions of modern drones, but a chronic shortage of domestic explosives leaves the drones without the bombs they are supposed to carry. Wall Street Journal reporter Heather Somerville explains how emerging tech startups are working to address the shortfall in critical energetics—chemical compounds essential for weaponry, mining, and manufacturing. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

S&P 500 third-quarter earnings are expected to grow about 30% year-over-year. However, just ten companies—led by AI chipmakers like Nvidia and Broadcom—account for two-thirds of those total profits, highlighting the market's heavy reliance on the AI boom and its costly infrastructure. WSJ reporter Hannah Erin Lang explains what this earnings concentration means for investors. Julie Chang hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

American shoppers are worried that businesses are using artificial intelligence and other tech to inflate prices. WSJ retail reporter Sarah Nassauer says that’s driven by data privacy concerns, rising costs of living, and AI anxiety. But is it actually becoming more common? Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The iPhone Duo is one of Apple’s most innovative products in years. The foldable smartphone was supposed to help usher in the company’s new CEO, but its debut has been met with mixed reviews and shipping delays. WSJ Apple reporter Rolfe Winkler joins to explain why. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the past few years, WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims has taken an electric vehicle on the ultimate test drive: a road trip. But as EV technology and the country’s charging infrastructure has changed, this year he decided to see how America’s cheapest electric car would handle one of its biggest charging deserts. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Autonomous big rigs are taking to the road as companies explore using robotrucks to ship cargo. WSJ reporter Esther Fung joins to explain why shipping is the next frontier for driverless vehicles—and why honking may become a thing of the past. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a new draft prospectus viewed by the Journal, Anthropic details soaring computing costs and a sprawling list of risk factors facing investors as it prepares to go public in the coming weeks. WSJ tech reporter Anissa Gardizy joins to sort through the filing and what it means for the AI giant’s future. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Netflix played a big part in transforming Hollywood and reorienting the entertainment industry around streaming. But now, the maker of hits like Stranger Things, Bridgerton and Squid Game is struggling. WSJ deputy media editor Jessica Toonkel joins to explain what is happening at Netflix and how it’s trying to chart a new course. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Dell is one of the few CEOs who survived the dot-com bubble and is still running his company amid the AI boom. Dell sits down with WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims to explain why his company is prepared to weather any downturns. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apple’s newest device is designed to bring Siri AI into your smart home, alongside strong privacy protections. But when the most popular—and powerful—AI agents need complete access to personal accounts and information to get the most out of their capabilities, is Apple’s dedication to privacy holding Siri back? Cybersecurity reporter Bob McMillan, personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen and Apple reporter Rolfe Winkler debate the tradeoffs of exchanging personal data for convenience. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nine years after Elon Musk announced the follow up to Tesla’s original electric sportscar, the new Roadster is finally being released. But the EV market—and Tesla itself—look very different now. WSJ autos reporter Christopher Otts joins to discuss what to expect, and how people who have held onto reservations for the new model are feeling about finally getting their cars. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blood pressure is notoriously tricky to measure, whether in a doctor’s office or at home. Now, several wearables—including the Oura Ring and the latest Apple Watch—say they can help people track their blood pressure without an inflatable cuff. WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen explains how these devices held up to real-life testing. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The electric vehicle industry is in a slump, but the companies installing roadside plug stations are charging ahead. WSJ Detroit Bureau Chief Patrick George joins to explain why we could see a record number of chargers installed this year—and whether that’s a glimmer of hope for the entire EV industry. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Several years into the AI boom, chips and data centers are in such high demand that access to compute is like gold for tech companies. WSJ reporter Kate Clark joins to discuss the lengths AI companies are going to find it. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Earlier this year, Anthropic edged to the front of the AI race thanks to its focus on business and coding products. But now, its chief rival OpenAI is starting to catch up. WSJ finance and technology reporter Angel Au-Yeung joins to explain how the battle for enterprise customers is playing out, and how it might affect the startups efforts to go public. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Along with new AI agents and tools, Meta Platforms, OpenAI, and Anthropic are rolling out mascots. It’s part of an effort to put a cuddlier face on AI tools amid the rise in anxieties about the technology. WSJ advertising editor Suzanne Vranica joins to discuss how fuzzy little guys could help make the technology feel less scary to skeptics. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For months, the drumbeat of worries about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has steadily increased. While the White House has taken a light touch approach to regulating the industry, some states and cities are exploring issuing their own rules governing AI. WSJ reporter Kevin Dugan gives us the scoop on a recent New York City Council hearing on AI, and what a patchwork of state and municipal rules could mean for tech giants. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Videos rule social media right now, from TikToks to Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts. But a new study suggests that the constant churn of short video clips may be changing our perception of time. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins to discuss how that could harm young people’s developing brains—and what social media companies and parents can do to help. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meta’s new AI agent, Muse, is a hit—racking up millions of downloads in just a few weeks. But how is it working for users, who must hand over reams of data to get the most out of the bot? WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins to share her own experiences test driving Muse, as well as her reporting on what security experts make of the latest consumer AI push. Katie Deighton hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While more stories of AI agents going rogue surface nearly every day, the messaging urging consumers to use AI agents to make life and work easier is not dying down. And this is all happening amidst a conversation about AI doom. How do we make sense of it all? Deputy tech and media editor Sam Schechner, cybersecurity reporter Bob McMillan and personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen hash it out. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Over the last year, major AI developers have seen users asking their chatbots for help designing bioweapons. Now, a new wave of new biosecurity companies is using that exact same technology to build a defense system. WSJ reporter Georgia Wells joins us to tell us about Red Queen Bio and how its technology works. Isabelle Bousquette, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute, hosts. A quick update: We're on a new schedule! Starting today, we’ll be bringing you a single, in-depth interview about what's happening in tech, every weekday morning. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Apple launches Apple Pay in India. And American Express introduces a corporate cashback card and an AI-driven expense-management platform. Julie Chang hosts. A quick update: We're on a new schedule! Starting tomorrow, we’ll be bringing you a single, in-depth interview about what's happening in tech, every weekday morning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: DoorDash partners with clothing and shoe companies amid same-day shipping race. And Robinhood Markets announces new AI-powered trading tools. Danny Lewis hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: The Trump administration launches an AI tool aimed at streamlining federal services. And AT&T and Corning sign a $3 billion deal for fiber. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Etsy is using AI to personalize experiences for their shoppers. And Tesla delays the launch of its long-awaited Roadster. Anthony Bansie hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The always-on, agreeable nature of chatbots makes them hard-working colleagues—but also, it turns out, friends for adolescents. WSJ’s family and tech columnist, Julie Jargon, joins us to explore how some children are forming emotional attachments to their new artificial friends to the detriment of their real lives. Plus, reporter Micah Maidenberg explains why the space industry has been left wanting for rocket rides. Katie Deighton hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Nearly 19% of working-age people now use AI, per a Microsoft study. And Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook expects continuing inflation pressure from the AI buildout. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Nvidia releases software it says can prevent AI agents from going rogue. And Meta Platforms is starting a new business line focused on selling AI tools to enterprise customers. Anthony Bansie hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You’ve heard about how AI tools could help meet demand for mental-health treatment, as well as some of the risks involved. Several U.S. states have passed laws limiting what these chatbots are able to do, leading to some changes in the industry. Meanwhile, federal regulators are taking a look at the AI therapy space. Today, we’re bringing Tech News Briefing listeners the third and final bonus episode from our What’s News series “The AI Therapist.” Host Alex Ossola delves into the changing regulatory landscape and where AI mental-health tools could go from here. The AI Therapist: A WSJ Podcast Series Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: EIG Global Energy Partners plans to raise $225 million for its first geothermal energy fund. And Momenta is poised to gain market share as China continues to adopt advanced driver-assistance systems, a Citi analyst says. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Novo Nordisk to pay up to $1.3 billion for Nanexa’s drug delivery technology. And climate-tech venture investors are shifting their focus from climate change and decarbonization to AI and data centers. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Data centers are rapidly expanding across the U.S. as tech companies race to build out the infrastructure needed to power the AI boom. But who is actually working inside of these buildings, and what are they doing? WSJ’s Owen Tucker-Smith joins us to discuss the unique—but vital—jobs that keep our internet operational. Isabelle Bousquette, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute, hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: New York state sues Polymarket. And BlackRock investment portfolios debut on the blockchain as digital tokens. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Meta unveils new AI-powered hardware. And Amazon announces a new robotics manufacturing facility in Indiana. Danny Lewis hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Two Anthropic leaders back Pilgrim, a startup developing hardware to detect airborne viruses. And Chinese automaker Geely unveils new EV tech that can charge vehicles in under five minutes. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: AI biotech firm Enveda doubles valuation to $2 billion. And Finnish drone maker Sensofusion seeks $344 million in Helsinki IPO. Danny Lewis hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Trump rejects international regulation of AI in his U.N. speech. Binance invests $100 million in Circle, expanding their stablecoin partnership. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: British Columbia is suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman for alleged safety violations in the Tumbler Ridge mass school shooting. And Andreessen Horowitz is funding an alternative to college. Anthony Bansie hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Polymarket has struggled with compliance failures, legal challenges, and software blunders, according to current and former employees. WSJ’s Katherine Long shares her exclusive reporting on the prediction markets platform. Plus, WSJ’s Bob Tita explains how landfills operators are starting to experiment with remotely controlled and autonomous bulldozers. Isabelle Bousquette, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute, hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: OpenAI urges Washington to lead global effort to create AI-safety standards. And Accenture shares climb on AI safety partnership with Anthropic. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Coinbase Global will allow users to request shares of upcoming initial public offerings. And CNN, MS NOW and Politico are suing the Trump administration after their journalists were barred from the White House. Anthony Bansie hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The promise for AI mental-health tools is clear: bringing support to people who need it, when they need it. But these chatbots can come with risks. How do they respond when someone is in crisis, or thinking about harming themselves? Today, we’re bringing Tech News Briefing listeners Part 2 of our What’s News special series “The AI Therapist.” Host Alex Ossola digs into the guardrails that companies are installing in their AI tools—and the questions as to whether they’re enough. The AI Therapist: A WSJ Podcast Series Further Reading: Chatbots Are Replacing Therapists With Little Scientific Evidence Behind Them Teens Seek Mental-Health Help From Chatbots. That’s Dangerous, Says New Study. How AI Advice Is Undermining Eating-Disorder Therapy When There’s No School Counselor, There’s a Bot Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Disney hires Character.AI CEO as entertainment company’s first chief technology officer. And AI startup Manus seeks to raise $500 million and weighs Hong Kong IPO. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plus: Hackers used Anthropic’s Claude tools to hack OpenAI. And Coinbase is seeking approval to list perpetual futures. Danny Lewis hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.