WSJ Tech News Briefing

Customers of FTX are facing uncertainty due to foreign crypto restrictions amidst the company's bankruptcy. In a big move, CoreWeave is set to acquire Core Scientific for a whopping $9 billion. Meanwhile, Tesla's stock takes a hit following Elon Musk's announcement of a new political party. It's a whirlwind of tech news that highlights the complex landscape of cryptocurrency and corporate shifts.

Elon Musk is stirring the political pot with his announcement of the America Party, raising eyebrows about the intersection of politics and business. Oracle has decided to offer discounted cloud services to the U.S. government, a move that could significantly impact federal tech spending. Meanwhile, LG Electronics forecasts a sharp decline in profits due to rising tariffs, signaling challenges in the global market. Dive into these intriguing developments and their broader implications.

Discover how Trump's recent megabill reshapes the tech landscape, especially for chipmakers and investors. Delve into the implications of pending European AI regulations. Plus, learn about Thoma Bravo's acquisition of restaurant-tech platform Olo. Stay tuned for updates on new release schedules, with fresh insights coming twice on weekdays!

Chinese generative AI companies are rapidly closing the gap with their U.S. counterparts, employing innovative strategies to gain an edge. The conversation highlights the impressive advancements made by firms like Baidu and DeepSeek. Meanwhile, a startup is revolutionizing aviation with its hybrid-electric planes, designed for quieter and faster flights. Insights on the unique challenges of vertical takeoff aircraft and the evolving landscape of AI innovation set the stage for a fascinating discussion on global technology rivalry.

Big changes are rocking the tech world! Microsoft is slashing jobs, letting go of 9,000 employees. Tesla faces a significant downturn with a 13.5% drop in vehicle sales. Meanwhile, Alibaba is pivoting to couponing strategies to revitalize its delivery and shopping platforms. Tune in for insights into these shifts and their implications for the industry.

Shan Li, South Asia correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, reveals how Bhutan transformed its economic struggles into a booming bitcoin mining industry after being hit by the pandemic. The conversation delves into Bhutan's unique focus on happiness, the advantages of its abundant hydropower for mining, and the efforts to blend tradition with technology. Additionally, the discussion touches on the ethical challenges and implications of AI chatbots, highlighting the ongoing pursuit for personality and engagement in technology.

A controversial Senate bill leaves AI regulation up to states, igniting debates over tech governance. The clash between Elon Musk and Donald Trump flares up over fiscal policies. Meanwhile, Amazon's robotic workforce is set to outnumber humans, highlighting a significant shift in labor dynamics. The podcast dives deep into these pressing issues, blending politics and technology in a captivating way.

A powerful cyberattack by Israel-aligned hackers has wreaked havoc on Iran's financial system, crippling key institutions like state-owned banks and a major cryptocurrency exchange. This incident reflects the intense cyber warfare between Iran and Israel amidst rising global tensions. The discussion also highlights how consumer perceptions of AI technology are evolving, with younger demographics showing greater acceptance, while marketers must communicate AI's benefits clearly to alleviate skepticism.

Meta is making waves with its new superintelligence division, pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. Meanwhile, Apple faces hurdles as it delays certain features for users in Europe due to regulatory issues. On the cryptocurrency front, Robinhood is expanding its services with a new focus on blockchain and trading for European investors. These developments highlight the rapidly evolving tech landscape and the challenges companies face in adapting to regulations.

Corporate America is diving headfirst into AI, driven by a fear of falling behind. The fierce competition in the self-driving car market is highlighted with Waymo's impressive valuation compared to Tesla's. Discussions reveal how companies like Pepsi are strategically adopting AI, enhancing their efficiency while navigating workforce changes. The balance between leveraging technology and maintaining human roles is crucial, as firms explore collaborations to strengthen their AI capabilities.