The Tech DeskStoryboardMachine vs. CreatorCurated byThe Tech DeskThe debate is heating up over AI's effect on our artistic future — could we be on the precipice of something great or could authentic creativity be at risk? Creatives are pushing back against AI image and text generators that, at this moment in time, can only mimic the magic of human talents in industries such as art, writing, film and music production. Here's an exploration of how they're being used today.
The Tech DeskStoryboardThe Emergence of ChatGPTCurated byThe Tech DeskSince its debut in late November, talk around the advanced conversational AI hasn't abated. It can write you a sonnet, a rap, a fictional story or a job application and it doesn't end there. But with any technological breakthrough, major concerns arise. New York City has blocked its use in schools as teachers look at how to use the chatbot as an academic tool and stop it being used for cheating. Learn more about how ChatGPT works, its trustworthiness and what it could mean for the tech industry.
The Tech DeskStoryboardA Rebirth of Social Media?Curated byThe Tech DeskTwitter's "chaos" and "meltdown" have encouraged rivals to attempt to capitalize on those flying the nest. Mastodon and Discord have amassed a large number of new users, but familiar calls for more authentic connections, less-manipulative algorithms and healthier experiences could become deafening in the wake of Twitter's crash. So what are other platforms doing to mitigate the problems of social media and could we be on the verge of real and positive change?
The Tech DeskStoryboardTwitter's Musk EraCurated byThe Tech DeskEvery day seems to bring a new Twitter revelation since billionaire Elon Musk took over as CEO in late October. After a long and arduous "will-he, won't-he" saga, Musk has shaken up the social media platform's longstanding hierarchy and cut significant numbers of staff. There have also been — what some critics would describe as — questionable directives. Take a look at the biggest changes he's made so far, read about his money-making mission and the alternatives users have been flocking to.
The Tech DeskStoryboardPlatformer Goes Inside the Twitter MeltdownCurated byThe Tech DeskTech journalist Casey Newton shares how everything went from bad to worse at Twitter on Thursday. The latest piece in the Platformer Substack is a must-read if you're tracking the chaos at the company and the mounting fears over what it means for the service that still serves as the heartbeat of the global news cycle.
The Tech DeskStoryboardElon Musk Takes Over TwitterCurated byThe Tech DeskIt finally happened! The on again, off again deal between Tesla's CEO and the social media giant has been finalized. Musk immediately fired top executives and is expected to install himself as CEO. Now millions of the site's users are wondering what will happen next.
The Tech DeskStoryboardGoogle's Pixel Watch: How Does It Measure Up?Curated byThe Tech DeskIt's the wearable some people had been waiting for. With a $349 price tag and support for payment, maps, the smart home and more, the Pixel Watch quickly drew comparisons to the Apple Watch. But before you spend any money, take a look at what critics thought about Google's new device. Plus, learn about the Fitbit integration and if it's good enough for fitness buffs.
The Tech DeskStoryboardNo More Weaponized RobotsCurated byThe Tech DeskWe've all seen videos of robots learning parkour, opening doors and performing other acts. But if you're worried about these machines rising up or being used to overpower our enemies, rest easy. Boston Dynamics and other bot makers have vowed not to allow their creations to be turned into "killer robots." Will their actions convince our leaders to enact policies that will prevent the creation of a real-life "Terminator"?
The Tech DeskStoryboardBiden Seeks to 'Kneecap' China's Tech Industry With Chip Export BanCurated byThe Tech DeskWashington is doubling down on efforts to remain competitive against Beijing. Under new restrictions imposed by the Biden administration, it's going to be more difficult to sell semiconductor chips and manufacturing equipment to China. In doing so, the U.S. hopes to stifle China's military and technological capabilities. Read about this latest step, industry reactions and more.
The Tech DeskStoryboardThe State of Climate TechCurated byThe Tech DeskSilicon Valley is moving away from creating the next great social network. Now it's about saving the planet. Not only are entrepreneurs passing up opportunities to work in Big Tech to work on this problem, but investors see it being rewarding as well. Take a look at some innovations being worked on to stop global warming and why climate tech is viewed as being recession-proof.
The Tech DeskStoryboardA Look at Google's Tensor G2 ChipCurated byThe Tech DeskExclusively available with the Pixel 7 smartphone series, this processor plays a pivotal role in what Google's new devices can do. The Tensor G2 powers the AI that handles photo processing, language translation and speech-to-text capabilities, and more. But feature set aside, how does it stack up against its Tensor predecessor? Read more on how this chip was developed.
The Tech DeskStoryboardMeet Microsoft's Newest Surface PCsCurated byThe Tech DeskA refreshed Studio desktop, a slightly upgraded Laptop, and a new Surface Pro with 5G support that combines the Pro 9 and X. Here's what you need to know.
The Tech DeskStoryboardThe Metaverse's User ProblemCurated byThe Tech DeskMark Zuckerberg bet big on the metaverse being the new social network. But a leaked memo reveals that Meta is finding success elusive and its employees won't use it. Other similar platforms are reportedly also struggling to grow with one specifically, Decentraland, said to have only 38 daily active users. But what does this all mean? Is the metaverse just vaporware or does it yet hold promise?
The Tech DeskStoryboardMeta Unveils Quest Pro Headset, New VR Games and 'Horizon Worlds' for the WebCurated byThe Tech DeskHere's your guide to everything announced at this year's Meta Connect conference, including the new $1,500 headset to let you access the metaverse. Read how the tech firm is appealing to creators and the enterprise, the PlayStation exclusives coming to Quest VR, and what happens behind closed doors at Meta's VR labs. Plus, has the company finally figured out how to give avatars legs?
The Tech DeskStoryboardMeta Connect: Can Zuckerberg Change the Metaverse Narrative?Curated byThe Tech DeskMeta will hold its annual mixed reality conference on Oct. 11 and it's expected the next-generation Quest VR headset will be unveiled. The event is also being watched closely because it gives CEO Mark Zuckerberg a chance to address his company's metaverse efforts. This comes days after a report showing Meta failing to grow adoption of its efforts. Learn more, including how to watch Zuckerberg's keynote live.
The Tech DeskStoryboardTwitchCon RecapCurated byThe Tech DeskThe livestreaming video platform returned to San Diego last weekend with its popular user convention. But instead of hearing big announcements, the headlines were more about creators injuring themselves, rapper Megan Thee Stallion twerking with Master Chief, and whether banned streamer Dr. Disrepect made a cameo appearance. Catch up on what you missed from TwitchCon 2022.
The Tech DeskStoryboardIndustry Wary After Conviction of Ex-Uber Security ChiefCurated byThe Tech DeskHe was found guilty of covering up a 2016 data breach and faces a possible sentence of eight years. But Joe Sullivan's case has far-reaching implications, with chief security officers fearing that they too could be "sacrificial lambs" when their firms face a cyberattack. It's the first time that such an executive was charged and convicted, and the prospect of facing a jail sentence for not doing the perceived right thing is weighing heavily on the security industry.
The Tech DeskStoryboardElon Musk: Twitter Deal Back On, Teases 'Everything App'Curated byThe Tech DeskFirst the deal was on, then it was off, and now it's back on? The billionaire says his $44 billion acquisition of the social media company will close by Oct. 28 — if it doesn't, Twitter's lawsuit moves forward to a trial. But will Musk follow through this time? Plus, learn about X, a mysterious app some believe the Tesla's CEO wants to be the next WeChat, and how owning Twitter could help.
The Tech DeskStoryboardYour Guide to Amazon's Prime Early Access SaleCurated byThe Tech DeskAmazon is holding its second major retail event of the year on Oct. 11 and 12 ahead of the holiday shopping season. But you don't have to wait that long to participate in the savings. Tech gear like laptops, smartphones and Alexa-powered devices are already being offered at a discount. Here's what you need to know about the event not officially called Prime Day. Plus, a look at counter-programming from Target and Walmart.
The Tech DeskStoryboardGoogle Unveils the Pixel 7 and Pixel WatchCurated byThe Tech DeskHere's everything announced at the "Made by Google" event, from the newest Pixel phones to the long-awaited smartwatch, and even a teaser for the tablet that won't be released until 2023. Plus, learn about Google's Tensor G2 chip and its new features.
The Tech DeskStoryboardSocial Media Culpable in British Teen's Death, Inquest FindsCurated byThe Tech DeskWarning: This contains mentions of suicide. A U.K. coroner has determined that Meta and Pinterest are legally to blame for the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell. The teen died as a result of self-harm in 2017 and her parents say the tech firms are partly responsible because their algorithms kept showing her posts related to suicide, self-harm and depression. Representatives from both companies have apologized and say they've changed to protect users.
The Tech DeskStoryboardMade By Google: Previewing the Oct. 6 EventCurated byThe Tech DeskGet ready for Google's newest hardware to be revealed. The company is expected to announce its Pixel 7 and Pixel Watch, though there's probably not much more that could surprise us. For weeks, details from anonymous sources and Google itself have shed light on these devices. Here's what you need to know ahead of the official debut.
The Tech DeskStoryboardBeware the Zelle Money ScamsCurated byThe Tech DeskTechnology has made it easy to send payments digitally, but it's also open to being exploited by thieves. A recent Senate report highlighted fraud scams committed on Zelle and how banks are failing to do anything to protect users on the peer-to-peer finance platform. Here's what you need to know and things to look out for to avoid being scammed.
The Tech DeskStoryboardTech How-TosCurated byThe Tech DeskGetting your Stadia refund, leaving a WhatsApp group chat quietly, enabling crash detection on your Google Pixel, and quickly identifying any song with your iPhone — just with a tap: Here are this week's tips on using technology.
The Tech DeskStoryboardTrafficked and Forced to Commit CyberscamsCurated byThe Tech DeskBeware of who you're talking to on that messaging app or social media platform. You could be a target of "pig butchering." It's a romance scam in which victims are groomed and enticed to participate in cryptocurrency schemes. These crimes also involve thousands of workers in Southeast Asia, who are forced to commit this fraud. They are often victims themselves, though of human trafficking. Read stories about the people caught in this cyberscam's web, and how you can avoid being a target.
The Tech DeskStoryboardTesla Reveals Its $20,000 AI BotCurated byThe Tech DeskIt wasn't a guy in a bodysuit this time. At its annual AI day on Friday, the automaker showed off its Optimus robot prototype, having it walk on stage untethered. Chief executive Elon Musk said the company hoped to have thousands of these bots in factories to perform single repetitive tasks. But what do robotic experts think?
The Tech DeskStoryboard15 Tech Podcasts Worth a ListenCurated byThe Tech DeskThis International Podcast Day, we've rounded up some of the top audio shows that explain the state of the tech industry. From journalist Kara Swisher's newest podcast and the iconic "This Week in Tech" by Leo Laporte, to The Wall Street Journal's hit "Future of Everything" show, and the upcoming "Hard Fork" from The New York Times, check out these recommendations.
The Tech DeskStoryboardQuestioning Moore's LawCurated byThe Tech DeskGeoffrey Moore posited in 1965 that every couple of years, the amount of computing power that could be crammed into an integrated circuit would double. It's the theory that helped shape the tech industry. But nearly 60 years later, some say Moore's Law no longer applies. Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang is the most recent critic, saying chips are becoming more expensive, not less. Intel's chief disagrees. Regardless of whoever is right, it's certain Moore's Law will continue to impact Silicon Valley.
The Tech DeskStoryboardWhat We Learned From Elon Musk's Texts About Buying TwitterCurated byThe Tech DeskJack Dorsey envisioned the company being an open-source protocol like Signal, not a business; animosity between the Tesla billionaire and Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal led to the deal's collapse, and more. Read Musk's text messages that were submitted into evidence this week which illustrate how his $44 billion bid to buy Twitter went sideways.
The Tech DeskStoryboardWill the U.S. Let Amazon Buy iRobot?Curated byThe Tech DeskThe Federal Trade Commission is debating if it wants to launch an investigation into Amazon's $1.7 billion acquisition of the autonomous vacuum company. Prominent Democratic lawmakers in Washington are calling on regulators to block the deal, claiming if approved, it would give Amazon dominance in the smart home market. Read where things stand now along with arguments from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Pramila Jayapal and others, plus Amazon's automated home ambitions.
