WSJ Tech News Briefing

AT&T Joins Streaming Wars With HBO Max

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

AT&T is preparing to unveil its answer to Netflix -- HBO Max , a multibillion-dollar gamble that the media and telecom giant can sell a premium strea...

Big Tech Ramps Up Lobbying Amid Antitrust Scrutiny

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As the tech industry faces growing regulatory scrutiny, companies like Facebook and Amazon have ramped up lobbying in Washington. The Wall Street Jour...

Drone Wars: Amazon, Alphabet and Uber Take to the Skies

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

While commercial drone delivery faces many hurdles, companies including Amazon, Alphabet and Uber are starting the most advanced trials of unmanned ai...

WSJ Tech Live: Slack CEO Reflects on IPO, Competition

25 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

During the final session at the WSJ Tech Live conference, Slack Co-Founder and CEO Stewart Butterfield sat down with WSJ's Global Technology Editor Ja...

WSJ Tech Live: China's 'Concerning' Leads Over U.S. in Tech

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At WSJ's Tech Live conference, Michael Brown, director of the Defense Innovation Unit, said that while the U.S. has a lead in certain technologies, th...

WSJ Tech Live: How Amazon Plans to Police Products on Its Site

23 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At the WSJ Tech Live conference in Laguna Beach on Tuesday, Amazon consumer chief Jeff Wilke explains why the company may need to spend billions of do...

WSJ Tech Live: How the FCC, Facebook Tackle Regulation

22 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Wall Street Journal's annual WSJ Tech Live conference in Laguna Beach, California kicked off on Monday with a look at how FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Ai...

Big Tech Companies in Line for a New Digital 'Web Tax'

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wall Street Journal tax reporter Richard Rubin explains why more than 100 nations are hammering out details of a new tax on consumer-facing tech compa...

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg Defends Free Expression

18 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg spoke at Georgetown University Thursday about freedom of expression - and tech. The Wall Street Journal's Ryan Tracy ...

Amid Rising Competition, Netflix Adds Subscribers

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Netflix reported subscriber growth that missed targets. But that was better than the previous quarter, when Netflix lost subscribers in the U.S. for t...

Are Parents Obsessed With Checking Kids' Grades Online?

16 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Many U.S. schools are required to post children's grades in online grade books, which makes it super-convenient for parents. But has it become an obse...

Congress Probes Vape Companies About Social-Media Bots

15 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As a congressional committee investigates whether millions of bot-generated messages about e-cigarettes have misled consumers, the Wall Street Journal...

Geofencing: How Political Campaigns Track Your Phone

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Voter targeting has grown more invasive with location data that apps can transmit from cellphones -- allowing political groups to track down voters ba...

Amazon's Twitch Draws Attention in Wake of Germany Shooting

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In the wake of Amazon's Twitch broadcasting a violent shooting in Germany this week, the Wall Street Journal's Sarah E. Needleman discusses the challe...

Gadgets Cause New Worries for Parents at Sleepovers

10 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some parents are growing worried about what their children could be exposed to online late at night when over at a friend's house -- where the rules o...

Senate Faults Big Tech for Role in Russian Election Meddling

09 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A Senate investigation of Russia's social-media influence criticized U.S. tech giants, with new attention on Google and YouTube, for helping spread mi...

Bakkt's Lackluster Launch: What's Next For Bitcoin?

08 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Amid a lackluster launch of bitcoin-futures platform Bakkt, the Wall Street Journal's Paul Vigna explains Wall Street's hesitation in embracing crypt...

Disney Bans Netflix Ads as Streaming War Heats Up

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As media giants continue to battle each other for streaming-subscribers, Disney bans advertising from Netflix across its entertainment TV network. The...

EU Deals Fresh Blow to Facebook

04 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The European Union's top court gave judges in the bloc broader power to order the removal of Facebook posts, dealing a fresh blow to the U.S. tech gia...

Facial Recognition: Tracking Your Travel Emotions

03 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Travel companies are using facial recognition and other sophisticated tech to better predict how and why their customers shop the way they do. The Wal...

UPS Gets the OK from the FAA for Drone Deliveries

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

United Parcel Service has received the first ever federal approval to begin organizing a fleet of unmanned aircraft to deliver health supplies and eve...

Hack Clubs: When Teens Try to Convince Parents They're Coding

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When teenagers form "hack clubs," they learn that hacking doesn't always mean breaking into government servers or stealing bank data. But convincing t...

Apple Movies to Hit Theaters Before Streaming on Apple TV+

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Apple looks to make a splash in Hollywood by bringing feature-length films to theaters -- before releasing them on its streaming TV service. The Wall...

Instagram's Content Factories - More Ads, Less Originality?

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Instagram's 1 billion monthly users has gave rise to an aggressive behind-the-scenes advertising economy. But is it threatening the site's originality...

Foot Locker Invests in Mobile Video Commerce Platform Ntwrk

26 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Foot Locker has invested in Ntwrk, a video-based shopping app that works with celebrities and brands to sell limited-edition merchandise. The Wall Str...

Google Scores a Win Against EU Regulators in Court

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the European Court of Justice ruled that Google doesn't have to apply the EU's "right to be forgotten" to versions of its search engine acc...

How to Keep Your Mobile Banking Safe

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As people increasingly embrace mobile banking, concerns about digital security have come to the forefront. While a lot safety measures depend on your ...

Can Nintendo Sustain Sales With Switch Lite?

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As it gears up for heightened competition from Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo has introduced the $200 Switch Lite. The Wall Street Journal's Bowdeya Twe...

Zuckerberg Faces Tough Questions From Senators

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With his company under a regulatory spotlight, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg faced tough questions from lawmakers on Capitol Hill this week. The Wall Str...

How Smart Cities Could Get Hacked

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As cities across the globe use technology to connect their services and residents, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. The Wall Street Journa...

Apple, Google, Amazon Help Keep Tabs of Your Kids

18 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Apple, Google and Amazon are taking new steps to help parents monitor their kids online. The Wall Street Journal Julie Jargon has more on how the sett...

After Backpage, U.S. Investigates Massage, Escort Websites

17 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A year after U.S. authorities closed Backpage.com, the biggest player in the online sex-for-sale industry, investigators are now focused on three webs...

Tech Backlash Hits Gig Economy. What's Next for Uber, Lyft?

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

After a decade of solid growth, are regulatory actions around globe threatening the gig economy? The Wall Street Journal's Alejandro Lazo explains why...

Regulators Order Google: Let Employees Speak

13 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The National Labor Relations Board has ordered Google to let employees speak out on political and workplace issues -- as part of a settlement of compl...

Electric Cars Dominate Frankfurt Auto Show

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

European auto makers are plowing billions of dollars into new hybrid and plug-in electric models. But, with prices high and consumer demand lukewarm, ...

Apple iPhone 2019 Event: A Recap

11 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At Apple's annual showcase, the company revealed a trio of upgraded iPhones, including a lower-priced model, and detailed its plans to enter the incre...

Attorneys General Kick Off Google Probe

10 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A bipartisan group of 50 attorneys general representing almost every state officially kicked off an antitrust probe of Google, saying the search giant...

Apple Bets on Cameras at iPhone Event

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Apple's iPhone is expected to remain the star of its annual publicity showcase this week, but will the company need to highlight a younger cast of pro...

GM to Use Google Apps in Cars By 2021

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

General Motors is forming a closer partnership with Alphabet's Google, agreeing to build it's apps directly into touch-screen displays in vehicles. Th...

Facebook's New Challenge: Letting Users Take Their Own Data

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Facebook outlined new mandates -- to protect users' privacy and to give them the right to take their data where they choose. The Wall Stree...

Apple AirPods: Love 'Em and Lose 'Em

04 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Apple's AirPods are sold as a liberating, wire-free experience. But for some, they have become an emotional burden and pain in the wallet. The Wall St...

How a Texas County Fought Off Ransomware

03 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Around two dozen Texas communities' computer systems were recently targeted by hackers demanding money. Only Lubbock County successfully fought off th...

An Esports Tournament for Hackers?

30 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some experts think esports will soon include cybersecurity tournaments where videogamers compete to hack each other's systems. This might eventually h...

Prices Skyrocket for Political Ads on Facebook

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Political campaigns have encountered sticker shock when seeking to buy ads on Facebook's advertising platform. The Wall Street Journal's Emily Glazer ...

More Driver Complaints About Automatic Braking

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As automatic breaking becomes more common in cars, more drivers are complaining the systems don't always work as intended. For instance, automatic bra...

Google's New Guidelines for Employees: No Politics!

27 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Google has issued new guidelines that limit employee discussion of politics and other topics not related to work. Wall Street Journal reporter Sarah E...

Samsung's 'The Frame' TV: Spotify of Art?

26 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Samsung 's "The Frame" television aims to bring museum masterpieces into your living room. Will new digital subscriptions to classic artwork create th...

Robocall Wars: Top Telecoms, State Enforcers Make New Pact

23 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Thursday, large telecom companies and attorneys general from every state unveiled a new pact for combating robocalls. The Wall Street Journal's Ryan T...

Paying For Faster Internet? Here's a Reality Check

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In the age of high-speed internet, streaming video is in high demand. But does paying for faster internet speeds truly make for a better streaming exp...

Tesla Shifts Gears; Rents Solar Panels to Homeowners

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

To jump-start residential installations, Tesla is once again offering to rent solar panels to homeowners. The Wall Street Journal's Sarah E. Needleman...

Monterey Car Week 2019: Hi-Tech Meets High-End

20 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

From the Lotus Evija hypercar to the Acura Type S Concept, Monterey Car Week showcased the very latest in electric and autonomous vehicles. Will it b...

What Trade Talks Mean for Big Tech

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, shares of tech companies outperformed on the news that the Trump administration plans to remove items from the $300 billion of Chinese impo...

Is Facial-Recognition Technology a Threat?

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Airlines and the TSA are starting to scan faces to get people through security and boarding faster, but does facial recognition at the airport come wi...

AI Boom Raises New Questions of Tech Expertise

15 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Engineer.ai says it uses artificial intelligence to help automate app-development -- but staffers say it exaggerates these claims to attract customers...

What CBS-Viacom Deal Means for Streaming

14 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Now that CBS and Viacom have agreed to merge, what will the new streaming landscape mean for rivals? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

FAA's Timeline for Return of MAX 737

13 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When the Federal Aviation Administration lifts the grounding of the 737 MAX fleet, will carriers have to make their way through a maze of tech require...

Can Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Help Struggling Market?

12 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Will a larger battery, bigger screen size, and 5G help the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 attract customers in a struggling smartphone market? Learn mor...

FBI and Facebook: At Odds Over Social-Media Monitoring?

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

To better monitor threats, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is soliciting proposals from outside vendors for a contract to pull public data from so...

Hotel Apps (Finally) Get an Upgrade

08 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hotel chains are upgrading apps to check in customers, pre-order food, track shuttle vans and other services -- a move some say is long overdue. The W...

8chan's Struggle to Stay Online in Wake of El Paso Shooting

07 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Online forum 8chan, used by the suspect in the El Paso, is facing concerted efforts to block its return. The Wall Street Journal's Sarah E. Needleman ...

Huawei's Phone Sales Surge in China Despite U.S. Ban

06 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Huawei's domestic smartphone sales have surged despite the U.S. ban on tech sales to the company. Has an outraged Chinese fan base gone on a buying sp...

Can New U.S. Cyber Alert Prevent Hacking of Small Planes?

05 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As the Department of Homeland Security issues a new cyber alert for small planes, have modern flight systems become too vulnerable to hacking? Learn ...

FCC Votes to Crack Down on Overseas Robocalls

02 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The FCC voted on extending a ban on faking caller information for malicious purposes-which currently applies only to calls originating in the U.S.-to ...

Senators Grill FAA Over Boeing Max Tech Risks

01 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Members of the U.S. Senate grilled Federal Aviation Administration officials on Wednesday about the Lion Air crash of an Ethiopian Airlines Max in Mar...

Mapping App Mishaps and the Drivers Misled by GPS

31 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Homeowners on the receiving end of addled smartphone navigation are increasingly grappling with lost drivers led astray by faulty algorithms. The Wall...

Facebook's New Privacy Checks

30 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Now that the FTC has fined Facebook $5 billion for improperly managing user data, will stricter new oversight help protect our privacy? Learn more ab...

France's Digital Tax on Tech Giants

29 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, France signed into law a new digital tax on American tech giants like Google and Amazon. Will President Trump take "substantial reciprocal ...

How Could a T-Mobile, Sprint Deal Impact Consumers?

26 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Justice Department is poised to approve T-Mobile's merger with Sprint under a plan designed to create a new wireless carrier by handing assets to ...

Will Facebook's Record-Setting Fine Send Message to Big Tech?

25 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The record $5 billion fine and oversight conditions federal regulators imposed on Facebook for privacy violations put Big Tech on notice that any comp...

Amazon Strikes Deal With Real-Estate Giant Realogy

24 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Real-estate brokerage giant Realogy launched a new partnership with Amazon in a fresh attempt at jump-starting the property firm's flagging business a...

Anthem's Smartphone App Lets You Pay for Doctor Visits

23 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Insurance giant Anthem is launching a new app that will help people schedule and pay for doctor's visits on their smartphones. The Wall Street Journal...

FaceApp Ignites Privacy, Security Concerns

22 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

FaceApp, the free photo-editing app, has gone viral over the past week. But so have concerns about FaceApp tied to digital privacy and national securi...

Microsoft Posts Record Sales Thanks To The Cloud

19 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Microsoft reported record quarterly revenue for the latest quarter, as its cloud computing business continued to grow. The Wall Street Journal's Asa F...

Musk's Neuralink Reports Progress on Brain-Computer Interface

18 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Elon Musk's Neuralink startup reported a significant advance in developing a new brain-computer interface. It's a device aimed at treating neurologica...

Peter Thiel Sounds Alarm on Google's China Ties

17 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In recent public appearances, conservative tech investor Peter Thiel has voiced growing concerns that Google is working with China's government, and h...

$5 Billion Dollar FTC Fine Not The End Of It For Facebook

16 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, the Federal Trade Commission voted to fine Facebook five billion dollars for privacy violations. But regulators and lawmakers still have th...

Beneath Startup Success: Anxiety, Fear, Dread

15 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Going public is a triumphant moment for entrepreneurs who've powered their startup companies to success. But the whole process often leaves CEOs and f...

Alexa to Provide U.K. Users with Medical Information

12 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Amazon's Alexa voice assistant will provide users in the U.K. with answers to common medical questions. The information will come from Britain's Natio...

Big Bucks Stream Into Online TV

11 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

New streaming services from Disney, Apple and AT&T are shelling out millions of dollars to produce what each hopes will end up being the next "Game of...

Auctions That Decide Which Web Ads You See Draw Scrutiny

10 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Superfast electronic auctions, known as real-time bidding, determine which online ads you see. But the Wall Street Journal's Patience Haggin says the ...

New Technology Scans Shoppers, No Cashier Needed

09 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Taking a page from Amazon, retailers in the U.K. are testing product recognition technology that would scan shoppers and their items as they leave the...

AI Takes Over Tennis at Wimbledon

08 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At this year's Wimbledon tennis championship, Watson is using AI to make video highlights. Can one of tech's newest innovations take one of the world'...

Top Minds Collide at Tech Open Air

05 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At the Tech Open Air festival in Berlin, technology collaborators compare notes on our future digital lifestyles. Will it continue to be apps and serv...

More Firms Use AI to Automate Corporate Networks

03 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Wall Street Journal's Sara Castellanos talks about how companies are tapping artificial intelligence to automate their IT networks. Businesses are...

Streaming Service Challenges Broadcasters with Free TV

02 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Locast, a streaming service that offers free broadcast TV to cord-cutters is winning support from some big media players, five years after a similar v...

NASA Opens Samples of the Moon For First Time

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Amid the 50th anniversary of man's first steps on the moon, NASA is about to open its long-protected samples of lunar rock. Could examining the moon w...

Is Social Media Ready For Another Round of Elections?

28 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At the Aspen Ideas Festival, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company's efforts to stop election interference has made progress -- but can social...

Bitcoin Surges Toward $14,000

27 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bitcoin rose to its highest level in about 17 months, extending its rally to nearly 60% in June so far. The Wall Street Journal's Paul Vigna has more....

Google's Rivals Are Ready to Make Their Antitrust Case

26 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Google's competitors are readying documents and data in anticipation of meetings with the Justice Department. The Wall Street Journal's Ryan Tracy has...

Li-Fi Makes New Waves in Aerospace Industry

25 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At this year's Paris Air Show, Li-Fi technology emerged as one of the top innovations in the aerospace industry. Will the next wave of high-speed inte...

Are Companies Clear on Cloud Safety?

24 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Putting data into the cloud can make it more secure but some companies have stumbled on issues ranging from execution to legal considerations. WSJ Pro...

5G Push Slowed Over Airwave Squabbles

21 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

U.S. wireless companies' limited access to extremely valuable airwaves threatens to slow down big plans to build faster 5G networks. The Wall Street J...

Will YouTube Change Kids' Content Amid FTC Probe?

20 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

To better protect young viewers from objectionable videos, YouTube could be moving all children's content into a separate product -- the existing stan...

Snap Seeks Global Growth With Messaging Innovation

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Snap's new chief strategy officer says the company's ambitions extend beyond its core markets in the U.S. But will the clearest path to growth remain ...

Can Amazon Find a Hit in Videogame Industry?

18 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As Amazon lays off several dozen employees from its division that develops videogames, the Wall Street Journal's Sarah E. Needleman explains its strug...

Can Cybersecurity Take on Facial Recognition Risks?

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

While China is using facial recognition to increase efficiency in places like airports, are global companies spending enough on cybersecurity to take ...

CES Asia 2019: Next-Generation Cars, Smart Homes, 5G

14 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

CES Asia 2019 hosted more than 550 exhibitors from dozens of countries in Shanghai to preview what's next in technology. As 5G steals the spotlight by...

Cloud Gaming Wars: Microsoft's to Lose?

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

At the E3 videogame conference in Los Angeles this week, Microsoft shared several planned developments for its Xbox platform. But as more rivals enter...

Amazon Ends Restaurant Delivery in Face of Competition

12 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Amazon is ending its restaurant delivery service Amazon Restaurants in the U.S., putting an end to a four-year experiment that aimed to take on Grubhu...

The FCC Struggles to Define Robocalls

11 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The FCC passed rules that will let phone companies automatically block more robocalls, but it still needs to define an 'auto-dialer' and how consumers...