Netflix acquires gaming avatar maker Ready Player Me; plus, Meta is developing a new image and video model for a 2026 release

The gaming startup will allow Netflix subscribers to create avatars that can extend across gaming titles. Also, Meta is working on an image and video model and new text-based model, which aids with coding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TechCrunch's Dominic-Madori Davis writes about women who ran an experiment to see if LinkedIn's new algo was being sexist and thought they proved it. But experts say there's more complexity involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

-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