WSJ Tech News Briefing

Temu has halted its shipments to the U.S., stirring discussions around trade regulations. Meanwhile, TikTok faces a significant fine in Ireland over privacy concerns linked to Chinese surveillance. Adding to the drama, the much-anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed, which has negatively impacted shares of Take-Two Interactive. This whirlwind of events highlights the ever-evolving landscape of technology and privacy.

The tech industry is experiencing a major shift as job titles become confusing and niche. With the rise of AI, companies are pushing for broad training, leaving job seekers uncertain about required skills. Casual work environments are transforming into more formal, performance-driven cultures. Perks that once attracted employees are dwindling, leading to 'job creep' where expectations grow without corresponding acknowledgment or rewards. The balance between fun and finance is rapidly changing the tech landscape.

Apple and Amazon have reported impressive quarterly revenue that surpassed Wall Street's expectations. Meanwhile, Tesla's board is actively seeking a successor for Elon Musk amidst shifting market dynamics. The discussion delves into the strategic changes and legal challenges that these tech giants face, highlighting their resilience and adaptability in a competitive landscape.

Microsoft wants to grow its presence in the European Union, but the bloc worries that trade tensions with the U.S. could cause trouble down the line. WSJ reporter Edith Hancock reports from Brussels. Plus: Strain at Microsoft doesn’t end with geopolitics. A rift has been growing between its boss, Satya Nadella, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. WSJ reporter Keach Hagey has the inside scoop about what’s gone wrong. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Microsoft and Meta report impressive revenue growth, with Microsoft at 13% and Meta at 16%. AI and cloud computing play a significant role in boosting their performance. Meanwhile, Alibaba introduces a lightning-fast delivery service, enhancing its competitive edge in the e-commerce market. The impressive figures from these tech giants illustrate a vibrant tech landscape, despite fierce competition.

Facebook parent company Meta has been harnessing AI to power a range of chatbots it sees as the future of social media. But as WSJ technology reporter Jeff Horowitz reports, the rush to popularize the chatbots has raised red flags among some inside the company about the need to protect young users from explicit content. Victoria Craig hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon faces scrutiny for possibly revealing tariff costs at checkout, stirring debate with the White House. Meanwhile, Spotify celebrates impressive user growth, navigating a tough economy with optimism. In the coffee world, Starbucks tests innovative technology to slash wait times and enhance the customer experience.

Big tech companies got at least a brief reprieve from the Trump administration’s latest tariffs. But WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen explains how small tech companies and their customers could feel the squeeze. Plus, IBM has re-upped its commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing and development. Katie Deighton speaks with WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Asa Fitch about the economic challenges to IBM’s ambitions in AI. Victoria Craig hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: China’s Huawei hopes a new chip will replace the need for some Nvidia products. Then, China’s Pony AI robotaxi company moves closer to profitability. And DoorDash approaches Deliveroo about a possible takeover. Victoria Craig hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the intriguing dynamics of SpaceX, where a select group of Elon Musk's allies control the shares, creating a veil of secrecy around its massive $350 billion valuation. Explore the complexities of parenting as one mother grapples with the tough decision of whether to grant her daughter a smartphone, amid societal pressures on young users. The conversation dives into how mobile ownership affects kids' behavior and the risks of social media, painting a vivid picture of contemporary family challenges in the digital age.