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| Here’s a look at today's tech briefing: - U.S. bill to force TikTok sale is closer to becoming law.
- Apple pulls Meta apps from China app store after Beijing order.
- Tesla recalls Cybertruck over ‘trapped pedal’ issue.
- Bitcoin's next halving event is expected today.
- Netflix added 9.3 million new subscribers last quarter.
Beth
p/beth-duckett | |
| 1 | | The U.S. House is expected to approve a revised bill to force TikTok's Chinese parent to sell its U.S. app. The TikTok bill, now bundled with billions in foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel, is also expected to gain Senate support, making it closer to becoming law. More: - In a procedural vote Friday, the House advanced the TikTok measure, which was combined with the $95B aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
- That package includes GOP security priorities such as Iran, China, and Russia sanctions.
- Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said the House could formally pass the combined foreign aid and TikTok package Saturday, potentially leading to a Senate vote next week.
- Johnson worked with the White House on the broader package, which President Biden has said he would sign.
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| 2 | | Following orders from the Chinese government, Apple removed Meta's WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China. Apple said it complied with the order because it's "obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree." More: - China, which restricts foreign content online through its Great Firewall, has still allowed some platforms like WhatsApp and Threads via Apple's App Store.
- Beijing still bans access to Meta services, so users could only access those apps with a VPN.
- Apple said China's Cyberspace Administration has now ordered the removal of the apps, as well as Telegram and Signal, due to national security concerns.
- A source told the NYT that Beijing uncovered content on WhatsApp and Threads that was inflammatory toward President Xi Jinping.
- Apple denied that the removal order was because of that content.
Zoom out: - The Great Firewall has allowed apps like Tencent's WeChat to dominate in China.
- Other Meta apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger are still available to download in the Chinese Apple app store, along with X and YouTube.
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| 3 | | Tesla is recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks, or effectively all of the electric pickups delivered, due to an issue causing the accelerator pedal to stick. A pad on the pedal could potentially dislodge and become trapped in the interior trim, causing the truck to accelerate, according to the NHTSA. More: - Tesla became aware of the issue on March 31 and did a voluntary recall after assessing the problem.
- The company said it's unaware of any "collisions, injuries, or deaths" related to the defect.
- The recall notice blames an "unapproved change" during assembly, where lubricant soap weakened the pedal pad's retention.
- Tesla will repair or replace the accelerator pedal assembly at no cost.
Zoom out: - The problem gained attention after Jose Martinez, a Cybertruck owner, shared a viral TikTok video showing the vehicle accelerating by itself due to a loose accelerator rubber cover.
- The NHTSA said it's aware of the video and confirmed receiving three Cybertruck complaints.
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| 4 | | Bitcoin's upcoming halving event, a scheduled reduction in the number of newly issued Bitcoin, is expected today or Saturday, curbing new production of the largest cryptocurrency in half. The halving occurs about every four years to slow down the supply of Bitcoin into the market. More: - The halving cuts the rewards for cryptocurrency miners, making it costlier to introduce new Bitcoins.
- In this case, the Bitcoin block reward will drop from 6.25 to 3.125 coins.
- According to CoinGecko's countdown clock, this year's halving is set to occur around 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT.
Zoom out: - Since its inception in 2009, Bitcoin's code has been programmed to cap the total number of coins at 21 million.
- Over 19.5 million have already been mined, leaving less than 1.5 million. As demand outpaces supply, some believe Bitcoin's price will rise and can hedge against inflation, though future gains are uncertain.
- Prior halvings took place in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
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| 5 | | Netflix added 9.3 million new subscribers in Q1 2024, bolstered by its stricter password-sharing policies. The company now has nearly 270 million subscribers globally, higher than any other streaming service. 
What happened: Netflix reported its Q1 earnings on Thursday. The streamer beat Wall Street forecasts on revenue, earnings, and subscriber growth, fueled by new revenue streams like its lower-priced ad-supported plan and a password-sharing crackdown. Netflix said the quarter was boosted by hits like "Griselda," "3 Body Problem," and "Avatar: The Last Airbender." What the numbers show: Netflix's Q1 revenue rose 15% to $9.37B, surpassing its own projections. Net profit surged by nearly 80% to reach $2.33B. Meanwhile, its subscriber growth more than quadrupled year-over-year. Overall it added 30 million subscribers in 2023, the second-largest annual gain in its history. Still: Netflix's stock still plunged up to 8% on Friday after revealing it will stop reporting quarterly subscriber numbers starting in 2025. What it means: Netflix said it is shifting its focus more toward metrics like operating margin and profitability. The company is adjusting to market saturation as it seeks more revenue from existing users through things like ads and stricter password-sharing rules. "In our early days, when we had little revenue or profit, membership growth was a strong indicator of our future potential," it said in its Q1 shareholder letter. What's next: Netflix said it will still report "major subscriber milestones" to investors. It expects revenue growth for the year to reach 13% to 15%. | | | |
| 6 | | An AI-controlled fighter jet successfully engaged in a "dogfight" against a human-piloted F-16. The Pentagon's test, conducted last year, was described as the "first-ever use of machine-learning-based autonomy in flight-critical systems." More: - After performing simulations, DARPA and the U.S. Air Force tested the "AI pilot" at California's Edwards Air Force Base in September.
- The AI system was installed on an X-62A VISTA. The jet successfully performed in-air maneuvers during the simulated dogfight against the human-controlled F-16.
- Human pilots onboard the X-62A, capable of disabling the AI, never had to engage the safety switch during the test.
- Both planes executed defensive and offensive maneuvers, including close "nose-to-nose engagements," bringing them within 2,000 feet at speeds of 1,200 mph.
Zoom out: - DARPA, the Pentagon's R&D agency, has completed 21 test flights, with plans to continue testing through 2024.
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 | AI and technology writer | | Beth is a contributing editor and writer of Inside's AI and Tech newsletters. She has written for publications including USA Today, the Arizona Business Gazette, and The Arizona Republic, where she received recognition with a Pulitzer Prize nomination and a First Amendment Award for collaborative reporting on state pension cost increases. You can reach her at Beth.Duckett@yahoo.com. | | This newsletter was edited by Beth Duckett | |
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