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Dec 19, 2025 • 8min

Instacart to pay $60M to settle FTC claims it deceived consumers; plus Apple becomes a debt collector

The FTC alleged Instacart misled consumers with unlawful tactics, causing them to pay higher fees while also denying refunds. Also, Apple says it can now collect any money a developer owes the tech giant at any time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 18, 2025 • 6min

Adobe hit with proposed class-action; plus, Instacart’s AI-driven pricing tool attracted attention from the FTC

The lawsuit is just the latest in a string of copyright-related legal complaints aimed at the AI industry. Also, in an economy where everyone's feeling squeezed, AI-driven price testing of kitchen essentials was bound to attract attention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 18, 2025 • 8min

Jared Isaacman confirmed as next head of NASA; AWS exec Peter DeSantis to lead new AI org; and YouTube doesn't like Billboard’s ranking formula

Isaacman will run the space agency at a time when Trump is trying to both downsize it and task it with returning astronauts to the Moon. Also, DeSantis has spent 27 years at Amazon, including eight years as an SVP for AWS, the cloud provider that powers about one-third of the internet. And, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 17, 2025 • 6min

Skana Robotics helps fleets of underwater robots communicate with each other

Skana Robotics built a decision-making algorithm that helps unmanned vessels react and adapt to data from other vessels. Also, Amazon reportedly in talks to invest $10B in OpenAI as circular deals stay popular Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 17, 2025 • 6min

Coursera and Udemy enter a merger agreement; plus, Mozilla’s new CEO says AI is coming to Firefox

Coursera and Udemy, two of the biggest names in online learning, are combining platforms next year. Mozilla has appointed Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as its CEO, as the Firefox developer scrambles to adapt in a rapidly changing browser market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 16, 2025 • 8min

Hacking group says it’s extorting Pornhub after stealing users’ viewing data. plus, Everbloom built an AI to turn chicken feathers into cashmere

The Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters hacking collective stole Pornhub premium users’ data, including email addresses and viewing history. Also, Everbloom has also developed a chemical process to transform waste fibers and feathers into upcycled materials that resemble everything from polyester to cashmere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 16, 2025 • 7min

Tesla starts testing robotaxis in Austin with no safety driver; also, Netflix responds to concerns about WBD deal

It's one of the last big steps before the company can truly claim it's operating a robotaxi service, and start to take on Waymo.Industry Also, concerns over Netflix acquiring Warner Bros has led executives to address fears regarding jobs and theatrical releases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 15, 2025 • 4min

Data center boom bad news for other infrastructure projects; plus, a data breach at 700Credit affects nearly 6 million, and Microsoft buys 3.6M metric tons of carbon removal from bioenergy plant

-Improvements to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure could take a hit as data center construction accelerates. That’s according to a report from Bloomberg. -At least 5.6 million people had their names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers stolen in a data breach at Seven Hundred Credit, a company that runs credit checks and identity verification services for auto dealerships across the US. Microsoft announced Thursday it would buy 3.6 million carbon removal credits from a biofuels plant in Louisiana owned by C2X. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dec 12, 2025 • 8min

Zevo wants to add robotaxis to its car-share fleet; plus, Reddit argues it isn’t like other social platforms

The discussion dives into Zevo's ambitious plan to integrate robotaxis into their car-sharing fleet. As the tech evolves, concepts around personal ownership and rentals are resurfacing. The talk then shifts to Reddit's bold claims in its legal battle, arguing it doesn't fit the traditional mold of social media. This could allow it to bypass restrictions aimed at protecting minors. The implications for privacy and political discourse in the digital space are also explored.
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Dec 12, 2025 • 8min

Google launched its deepest AI research agent yet — on the same day OpenAI dropped GPT-5.2

Google's latest Deep Research tool, powered by Gemini 3 Pro, can now be integrated by developers into their own applications. It has promising use cases in areas like due diligence and drug research. The conversation also touches on the risks of AI hallucinations and efforts to mitigate them. Interestingly, this launch coincides with OpenAI's introduction of GPT-5.2, sparking competitive benchmarks between the two giants. Additionally, updates featuring encrypted chat and cryptocurrency capabilities were discussed, showcasing the evolving landscape of digital communication.

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