WSJ Tech News Briefing
By The Wall Street Journal
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Category: Tech News
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Subscribers: 3245
Reviews: 9
Episodes: 44
Apr 17, 2023
May 25, 2021
interesting stories and excellent narration
perspective is not always balanced
Dec 7, 2020
john
Oct 9, 2020
interesting viewpoint on tech
me
Aug 2, 2019
not super in depth, but it's often worth the time
Description
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
| Episode | Date |
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Schools and Learning in an AI-Enabled World
692
How will generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, change the education system? That’s the question on a lot of parents' and teachers’ minds. At this year’s Future of Everything festival, the founder of Code.org talked about how the next generation of students will live and learn in an AI-enabled world. We bring you highlights from that conversation. Julie Chang hosts.
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May 26, 2023 |
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Governments Want Kids Off Social Media. Why Aren't Platforms Doing It?
855
Local and national governments in the U.S. and Europe want social media companies to do more to keep children off their platforms. Efforts to require age verifications come as evidence shows companies aren’t effectively enforcing their own policies, limiting what children see and do on social media. WSJ reporter Sam Schechner joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the new laws and the challenges to implement them.
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May 25, 2023 |
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Elon Musk Opens Up About His Hopes and Challenges for Twitter
808
Elon Musk opened up about his goals for Twitter, balancing advertiser concerns with his desire to support free speech and interviewing presidential candidates. He spoke at the Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council Summit with WSJ editor for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa Thorold Barker. Zoe Thomas hosts.
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May 24, 2023 |
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How an Antiabortion Group Used Cellphone Data to Send Targeted Ads
805
Until last year, an antiabortion group was using location data gathered from cellphones to send people who visited Planned Parenthood targeted advertising. WSJ reporter Byron Tau joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the group got the information, the legality of these steps, and more about the group behind the effort.
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May 23, 2023 |
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It’s Gamers vs. Government in Hunt for Classified U.S. Documents
707
A global scavenger hunt for classified documents is underway and it's pitting the U.S. government against online gamers. WSJ national security reporter Jessica Donati joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the race to find secret military information began.
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May 22, 2023 |
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The Executive Keeping Tesla Rolling Isn’t Elon Musk
817
Tesla’s CFO Zach Kirkhorn has a reputation for working quietly behind the scenes to execute Elon Musk’s vision for the electric carmaker. But as Musk’s attention gets pulled in several different directions, investors are focusing more on Kirkhorn and how he’s helping run the company. WSJ Tesla reporter Rebecca Elliott joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss.
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May 19, 2023 |
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TikTok Still Fills Teens' Feeds With Dark Content
810
Montana’s Governor signed the county’s first statewide ban of TikTok on Tuesday. And calls are growing to ban the app nationwide. But a bigger worry for parents may be the dark content the app serves up to teens. TikTok says it has a content-moderation team of more than 40,000 people and removes posts that violate its community guidelines. However, a recent study shows teen users are still being shown a stream of content on self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss.
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May 18, 2023 |
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OpenAI Boss Calls for AI Safety Standards at Senate Hearing
778
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI the company behind ChatGPT, told lawmakers they should create licensing and safety standards for advanced artificial intelligence systems . But Congress has historically had a tough time when it comes to regulating technology. WSJ tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what happened during the Senate subcommittee hearing.
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May 17, 2023 |
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Elon Musk Is Running Twitter Like SpaceX. Will It Work?
781
Elon Musk is trying to run his social media company, Twitter, like his rocket company, SpaceX. WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the leadership structure and management choices at both operations. Plus, tech reporter Sarah Needleman discusses what the EU approval of Microsoft's plan to buy Activision Blizzard means for the deal.
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May 16, 2023 |
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Apple Takes New Approach With Mixed-Reality Headset
766
Elon Musk has named a new CEO to replace him at Twitter. WSJ reporter Alexa Corse joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why he chose an advertising exec. Plus, WSJ reporter Aaron Tilley explains why Apple is breaking its own rules for product debuts with the launch of a new headset.
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May 15, 2023 |
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Social-Media Shopping Scams Target Young People
771
A growing number of young people are being hit by online shopping scams that originated on social media. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what victims have gone through and how to protect yourself. Plus, WSJ gaming reporter Sarah Needleman explains why designing for avatars may be the next style trend.
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May 12, 2023 |
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Google Takes On Rivals in AI and Foldable Devices
864
Google is making a show of force to its rivals in the hardware and artificial-intelligence sectors. At its developer conference, the company unveiled its new AI search feature and announced plans for other AI tools. WSJ Google reporter Miles Kruppa breaks down the announcements, and WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen discusses Google’s new Pixel Fold. Zoe Thomas hosts.
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May 11, 2023 |
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Virgin Galactic Struggles to Launch Its Space Tourism Business
793
Billionaire Richard Branson founded Virgin Galactic nearly two decades ago. But despite sending him to the edge of space and selling tickets to would-be space tourists, the company has struggled to launch its commercial space flights. Now it says it's ready to do so. WSJ aerospace reporter Micah Maidenberg joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s behind the delay.
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May 10, 2023 |
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Will AI Gold Rush Lead Investors to Risky Bets?
724
The potential of generative artificial intelligence has venture capitalists racing to invest. But in their rush to get in on the ground floor, are investors making the mistakes of the past? WSJ startups reporter Berber Jin joins host Zoe Thomas to explain. Plus, reporter Miles Kruppa discusses Google’s new approach to presenting search results.
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May 09, 2023 |
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TikTok Users Who Watched Gay Content Put on List, Former Staff Says
976
For at least a year, some employees at TikTok were able to access what they described internally as a list of users who watched gay content on the app, according to former employees. TikTok says it's changed the way it handles this kind of data. But this is an unusual practice among tech companies and it's adding to questions about the company's handling of user information. WSJ social media reporter Georgia Wells joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what happened.
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May 08, 2023 |
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Lawmakers Fight for Child Vloggers to Be Compensated
799
For children who appear in monetized content online, like vlogs and social media posts, there are currently no laws to protect them or ensure they get a cut of the money they help earn. Now, some state lawmakers are fighting to change that. Tech News Briefing producer Zoe Kuhlkin joins host Zoe Thomas to explain why Illinois may be the first state to cross the finish line.
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May 05, 2023 |
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Meta Faces New Sanctions; Political Turmoil Hits Tech Hub
840
The FTC proposes barring Meta’s from earning money on the data it collects on young users. TikTok launches a new advertising product. Also, Israel’s tech sector says political turmoil in the country is making it hard to raise money. WSJ reporter Dov Lieber joins host Zoe Thomas from Tel Aviv to explain the impact the unrest is having on “startup nation.”
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May 04, 2023 |
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Uber Picks Up More Riders; Bluesky Adds Users; AI for Daily Tasks
785
Marissa Mayer, CEO of Sunshine, says artificial intelligence can be used to help improve more mundane tasks. The former Yahoo boss spoke at this year’s WSJ Future of Everything Festival. Plus, why users are flocking to Bluesky Social as an alternative to Twitter. Zoe Thomas hosts.
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May 03, 2023 |
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Your AI Clone Can Fool Family, Your Bank, But Not Your Video Meeting
667
You can pay companies to create video and audio versions of yourself using generative artificial intelligence. But how well does it work? WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what it was like to work with her AI clone, and why it has her worried.
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May 02, 2023 |
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Apple Partnership was “Kiss of Death” Smaller Rivals Claim
839
Smaller rivals say meeting with Apple ended with the tech giant releasing products that resemble their own. Some say Apple used the U.S. patent system to avoid having to pay for using their technology. Apple says it doesn’t steal technology and plays by the rules. WSJ Apple reporter Aaron Tilley joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s going on.
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May 01, 2023 |
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How to Secure Your Digital Life Before You Die
781
Your digital footprint lives on after you pass away. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss the best way to pass on access to your emails, photos and online accounts. Plus, WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Dan Gallagher explains what this week’s tech earnings say about the health of the sector.
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Apr 28, 2023 |
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Regulator Blocks Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Deal
645
U.K. antitrust regulator rejects Microsoft’s $75 billion deal to buy game maker Activision Blizzard, saying it would hurt competition in videogame industry. WSJ reporter Kim Mackrael joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the regulator’s reasoning and what happens next.
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Apr 27, 2023 |
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Lyft to Cut at Least 1,200 Jobs, Struggles to Keep Up with Rival Uber
728
Ride-hailing company Lyft plans to cut at least 30% of its workforce. It comes days after a new CEO officially took over. Can the changes and new leadership help Lyft compete with its biggest rival Uber? WSJ ride-hailing reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what’s going on inside Lyft.
Correction: An earlier version of this podcast incorrectly stated that Lyft was planning to lay off 12,000 workers instead of 1200. (Corrected April 26.)
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Apr 26, 2023 |
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What’s Going on With Twitter’s Blue Check Marks?
681
Twitter is changing which users get blue check marks. Some celebrities have lost then regained them, despite claiming they aren’t paying for Twitter’s new subscription program. WSJ’s Twitter reporter Alexa Corse joins host Zoe Thomas. Plus, Apple scores a legal win and Lyft plans for more layoffs.
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Apr 25, 2023 |
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When AI Gets It Wrong, Who’s on the Hook?
1356
Generative artificial-intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT are known to get things wrong sometimes, a process known as “hallucinating.” But can anyone be held liable if those incorrect responses are damaging in some way? Host Zoe Thomas talks to a legal expert and an AI ethicist to explore the legal landscape for generative AI technology, and the tactics companies are employing to improve their products. This is the fourth episode of Tech News Briefing’s special series on generative AI, “Artificially Minded.”
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Apr 24, 2023 |
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iPhone Security Feature Helps Criminals Lock Users Out of Accounts
826
Thieves in cities across the U.S. who steal iPhone passcodes along with the devices, are also using another Apple security feature to lock victims out of their accounts. The victims say they have no way to regain access to years of photos and other personal data. WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how this crime works and why it’s so devastating.
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Apr 21, 2023 |
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Why More People Are Pivoting to Help Influencers on Social Media
744
A growing number of people who once chased social media stardom are turning to new roles, helping others become influencers. And the opportunities for social media support staff may only just be taking off. Host Zoe Thomas speaks with one person who’s turned their supporting role into a six figure salary and to WSJ reporter Kailyn Rhone about why more people are choosing careers behind the camera.
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Apr 20, 2023 |
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To Become a Tech Hub, Tulsa Recruits Ukrainian Workers
727
Oklahoma businesses are recruiting Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion. They hope the new workers will turn Tulsa into a regional tech hub. WSJ immigration reporter Alicia A. Caldwell joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how they are doing it and what it’s like for the new arrivals.
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Apr 19, 2023 |
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The Unexpected Reason iPhones Dominate the Market
835
Apple controls more than half of the U.S. smartphone market. One big reason for that dominance isn't the company’s marketing strategy or its cool factor among young people. Instead, it's got to do with how long iPhones hang around in the market. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims joins host Zoe Thomas to explain.
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Apr 18, 2023 |
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Artists Worry About Survival as AI Changes the Game for Creative Work
1080
The threat that technology will replace workers is something more people are grappling with due to the introduction of new tools powered by generative artificial intelligence. Creative workers like artists, writers, and filmmakers are among those raising the loudest alarm. But is their concern warranted? And what impact could AI have on the future workforce? Join us for the third episode of our series “Artificially Minded” with host Zoe Thomas.
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Apr 17, 2023 |
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What’s Slowing Down Self-Driving Car Technology?
720
Car and tech companies have promised for years that fully self-driving cars were just around the corner. But experts say the technology is far from where it needs to be to fully replace drivers. Bart Ziegler, who wrote about self-driving tech for the WSJ's Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what is pumping the brakes.
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Apr 14, 2023 |
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Virtual Reality Helps Trauma Patients Confront Fears
813
Virtual reality can help transport users to new worlds. But a growing number of doctors are using it to help patients confront trauma in therapy. WSJ health reporter Brianna Abbott joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how doctors are individualizing VR scenarios.
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Apr 13, 2023 |
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Moms Push for New Laws Making Social Media Sites More Accountable
729
A group of mothers, who say their sons’ and daughters' lives were devastated by social media, is pushing for new laws that would hold the platforms accountable. But efforts to force social media companies to do more to protect minors from harm online have not made much progress in Congress. WSJ tech policy reporter Ryan Tracy joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss why this group thinks their efforts will make a difference.
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Apr 12, 2023 |
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Uber’s CEO Became a Driver and Learned a Lot
758
After five years leading Uber, the company’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi decided to get into the driver's seat last September. WSJ ride-hail and food delivery reporter Preetika Rana joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss what Khosrowshahi learned and how it’s helping Uber win over drivers.
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Apr 11, 2023 |
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AI Hallucinations to Befriending Chatbots: Your Questions Answered
1087
There is so much changing in artificial intelligence right now and generative AI is raising a lot of new questions. WSJ tech reporter Karen Hao joins host Zoe Thomas to answer listener questions on AI. This is the second episode of Tech News Briefing's series “Artificially Minded”. New episodes drop every Monday in April.
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Apr 10, 2023 |
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The Hottest Tech Topics Among Older Adults
659
A retirement community in Lancaster, Pa., is integrating tech more and more into the lives of their residents, proving what experts on aging have been saying for years: Older adults are just as keen on new technologies as anyone else. WSJ family and tech columnist Julie Jargon joins host Julie Chang to talk about what tech appeals most to older adults and why.
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Apr 07, 2023 |
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How the CEO of OpenAI Is Navigating Development and Risk
775
Sam Altman, the CEO of startup OpenAI, is navigating the challenges of being at the forefront of the most buzzed about technologies in decades. WSJ tech reporter Berber Jin joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how he’s balancing the speed of development with the risks raised by artificial intelligence technology.
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Apr 06, 2023 |
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Should Digital Devices Be Given Genders?
574
Is it a good idea to give robots traditionally male or female names and voices? Some researchers say that reinforces stereotypes. But a new paper explains there could be an upside to doing it. Chris Kornelis, who wrote about this for WSJ’s Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to explain the pros and cons of gendering machines.
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Apr 05, 2023 |
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Apple Tries to Improve Streaming for Classic Music Fans
727
Fans of classical music have long complained that streaming services don't make it easy to find their favorite pieces. Apple has set out to fix the issues. WSJ Science of Success columnist Ben Cohen joins host Zoe Thomas to explain how the problem arose and what it means for the future of search.
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Apr 04, 2023 |
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Artificial Intelligence 101: Why It’s Different This Time
932
There is so much being said about artificial intelligence these days. In order to understand this latest wave of AI, it is important to know how it works and why this moment is different from developments in the past. WSJ science reporter Eric Niiler joins host Zoe Thomas for the first installment of Tech News Briefing’s special series Artificially Minded. New episodes drop every Monday in April.
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Apr 03, 2023 |
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U.S. Military Prepares for Space Warfare With New Tech
787
The Pentagon is gearing up for a future conflict in space. It comes as China and Russia deploy missiles and lasers that can take out satellites and disrupt military and civilian communications. WSJ aerospace and defense industry reporter Doug Cameron joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how the U.S. military is preparing for potential threats.
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Mar 31, 2023 |
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Hospital ‘Black Boxes’: the New Tech in Operating Rooms
855
Hospitals are turning to new technology that allows them to record everything going on in the operating room. These new surgical “black boxes” offer insight on how to improve medical outcomes but what are their downsides? Barbara Sadick, who wrote about this for the WSJ's Journal Reports, joins host Zoe Thomas to explain.
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Mar 30, 2023 |
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Samsung Is Betting on AI for Smartphone Innovation
851
Innovation and new technology are often driving factors to convince customers to upgrade their smartphones. Samsung is looking to artificial intelligence to help with its next wave of smartphones. Samsung EVP Patrick Chomet spoke with WSJ senior personal tech columnist Joanna Stern at this year's MWC . Zoe Thomas hosts.
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Mar 29, 2023 |
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Uber Eats to Cut Thousands of Listings as It Moves to Declutter App
763
Uber Eats plans to take down thousands of listings for online-only brands. WSJ restaurants reporter Heather Haddon joins host Zoe Thomas to discuss how so many of these brands emerged and how Uber’s decision could affect customers.
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Mar 28, 2023 |