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Following a couple of months' testing, Opera has finally made its AI-powered browser, Neon, available to the public — though you'll have to shell out for a $19.90-per-month subscription to use it. Also, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe laid out his plan for how Rivian's vehicles will increasingly drive themselves, in a bid to match or exceed the capabilities of rival automakers and AV companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An ambitious startup plans to revolutionize energy by harvesting sunlight from space and beaming it to Earth using infrared lasers. Challenges like launch costs and conversion efficiency take center stage, with discussions on competing methods such as lasers versus microwaves. Meanwhile, Nvidia is reportedly testing software that could track the location of its AI chips, sparking intrigue around smuggling allegations and export restrictions. The tech world is abuzz with potential breakthroughs and the implications for the future.

Google is rolling out managed MCP servers to make its services “agent-ready by design,” starting with Maps and BigQuery, aiming to simplify messy integrations and help AI agents use real tools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While teenagers may start out using AI chatbots for basic questions, their relationship with chatbot platforms has the potential to turn addictive. Plus, Anysphere CEO Michael Truell explained the features his company is focused on building out after reaching $1 billion in annualized revenue,. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Google will compete with Meta with its own line of AI-powered smart glasses. Also, Ford and Renault in a ‘fight for our lives.’ The automakers will work together to bring two Ford-branded less expensive EVs to European dealerships in 2028. And, Truecaller's Family Protection will be rolled out widely in the first quarter of 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Zuckerman, the founder of stalkerware apps, faces a ban upheld by the FTC, which he argues is impacting his other businesses. The podcast highlights details of the 2021 order that includes a data-deletion mandate and rigorous audits. It also discusses a significant data breach where personal information from thousands of devices was exposed. Experts weigh in on the ongoing risks of stalkerware, noting repeated breaches that compromise sensitive data. Zuckerman's claims of hardship and alleged attempts to bypass the ban are examined.

Trump plans a sweeping executive order to prevent states from enacting their own AI regulations, stirring up bipartisan dissent. Meanwhile, Paramount has launched a staggering $108.4 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, just days after the latter's agreement to be acquired by Netflix. This bold move raises questions about financing and potential antitrust issues. As tech leaders voice concerns about federal intervention, state advocates push back, highlighting the complexity of AI regulation and corporate mergers.

The New York Times has launched a copyright lawsuit against Perplexity, arguing that its content was used without permission. This marks a trend among publishers using legal action to negotiate licensing deals with AI companies. Meanwhile, Meta has formed partnerships with several major news outlets to deliver real-time news via its AI platform. This move signals Meta's shift back to compensating publishers after previous controversies over news content.

Elon Musk claims Tesla's latest software could allow for texting while driving, sparking safety concerns. However, the system still requires driver attention and isn't fully autonomous. Meanwhile, the NHTSA is investigating Waymo after reports of robotaxis repeatedly passing stopped school buses in Austin. Despite Waymo's assurances of improvements, the Austin School District is demanding operational limits during school hours to ensure safety.

California is poised to lift its ban on self-driving trucks, allowing them to test on public highways. New rules will enable police to ticket driverless vehicles, addressing safety concerns. Meanwhile, Amazon might sever ties with USPS to establish its own delivery service, leveraging its extensive shipping infrastructure, including drones and autonomous vans. The enthusiasm for autonomous vehicle testing contrasts with opposition from labor groups advocating for human oversight in freight transport.