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Waymo and DoorDash Are Teaming Up to Deliver Your Food via Robotaxi
CNET· 2025-10-16 20:08
Core Insights - Waymo and DoorDash are collaborating to deliver food and grocery orders using self-driving cars, starting in Phoenix in the coming months [1][2] - Waymo's self-driving vehicles, primarily the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace, are already operational in several major cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles [2][3] - The Waymo Driver has completed over 100 million autonomous miles and facilitated over 10 million trips, showcasing the reliability of the technology [3] Company Operations - The partnership will allow DoorDash users to opt for autonomous vehicle delivery during checkout, with deliveries made from DashMart, DoorDash's convenience and grocery stores [4][5] - Users will access their orders by opening the trunk of the Waymo vehicle through the DoorDash app, which may limit convenience for those with mobility issues [4] - DoorDash is also developing its own delivery robot named Dot, which can navigate various terrains and is set to launch in the Phoenix area [3]
OpenAI Partners With Broadcom To Deploy Custom AI Chips
CNET· 2025-10-13 22:52
Group 1: Partnership Overview - OpenAI is collaborating with Broadcom to develop and deploy new AI chips, with OpenAI designing systems and accelerators while Broadcom will deploy these chips [1][2] - The partnership aims to build infrastructure to unlock AI's potential and enhance capabilities through custom-designed hardware [2][3] Group 2: Market Context - OpenAI's ChatGPT has gained significant traction, boasting 800 million active weekly users, contributing to the ongoing AI revolution [5] - Recent investments in OpenAI include Nvidia's $100 billion investment for data centers and AMD's trade of 160 million shares for upcoming MI450 chips [6] - The surge in AI investments has led to concerns about a potential AI bubble, with valuations of major tech companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Google exceeding $3 trillion [7][8]
Tesla Releases Its Much-Anticipated Affordable Electric Car Models. Here's How Much They Cost
CNET· 2025-10-07 21:01
Core Insights - Tesla has introduced new entry-level versions of the refreshed Model Y and Model 3, aimed at making electric vehicle ownership more accessible by lowering the entry price [1][12] - The move is seen as a strategic shift back to Tesla's roots of providing affordable, long-range electric vehicles, appealing to first-time EV buyers [11] Pricing and Market Context - The Model Y Standard starts at $39,990, while the Model 3 Standard is priced at $36,990, making them more competitive in the market [4][8][12] - The average new vehicle transaction price in the US is currently $48,644, which is 2% lower than the peak in December 2023 but still 13% higher than in June 2021 [3] Model Specifications - The Model Y Standard features a 69 kWh battery, an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, with a peak charging rate of 225 kW [4] - The Model 3 Standard shares similar specifications, including the same battery and range, but accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds with 286 horsepower [8] Interior Features - Both models have simplified interiors, with manual adjustments for most controls, a 7-speaker audio system, and touchscreen-controlled seat adjustments [5][9] - The rear passenger screen has been removed in both models, and the center console has been redesigned for a more minimalist approach [6][9] Performance and Efficiency - The Model Y Standard is 5% more efficient than the higher trims, while both models support Tesla's Supercharging network, allowing for rapid charging capabilities [4][7] - The Model Y has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and offers 75 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Model 3 provides 24 cubic feet [7][9] Strategic Implications - This new approach is expected to attract a broader customer base, moving away from the luxury segment and focusing on affordability and accessibility [11] - The introduction of these models could serve as a compelling reason for potential buyers to switch to electric vehicles, especially those hesitant due to price concerns [11]
Verizon Replaces CEO Vestberg With Former PayPal Chief Schulman
CNET· 2025-10-07 00:08
Leadership Change - Verizon announced the immediate replacement of CEO Hans Vestberg by Dan Schulman, former CEO of PayPal and a veteran in the telecom industry [1] - Vestberg will serve as a special advisor until October 4, 2026, focusing on a smooth transition and the integration with Frontier Communications, expected in Q1 2026 [2] - Mark Bertolini has been appointed as the new board chairman [2] Background of New CEO - Dan Schulman has been on Verizon's board since 2018 and served as CEO of PayPal from 2014 to 2023, with prior experience at AT&T, Virgin Mobile, and Sprint Nextel [3] Industry Context - This leadership change follows another significant CEO transition at T-Mobile, indicating a trend of leadership shifts within the wireless industry [4] - The timing of Verizon's leadership change is notable, occurring just after the end of Q3 2025 and shortly before the company releases its earnings [5] Customer Dynamics - In Q1 2025, Verizon lost nearly 300,000 wireless customers, attributed to seasonal fluctuations, while in Q2 2025, it lost 51,000 wireless postpaid customers but gained 50,000 wireless prepaid customers and 278,000 broadband customers [8] Market Conditions - The wireless industry in 2025 is described as "epically weird" due to tariffs, government cuts, and economic challenges [9] - Verizon is in the process of acquiring Frontier Communications, with the deal approved by the FCC in May 2025, contingent on ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs [9] Future Outlook - Speculation exists that the leadership change could be a precursor to developing 6G technologies, as the industry seeks transformative strategies to leverage investments in 5G [11]
Amazon Will Cough Up $2.5 Billion for 'Tricking' People Into Amazon Prime Subscriptions
CNET· 2025-09-26 18:24
Core Points - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit against Amazon has led to a $2.5 billion settlement for misleading customers regarding Amazon Prime subscriptions [1][2] - The settlement includes $1.5 billion for a fund to repay eligible subscribers and a $1 billion civil penalty [2] - Amazon will implement clearer options for declining Prime during checkout and simplify the cancellation process as part of the settlement [2] FTC Lawsuit Background - The FTC accused Amazon of using "dark patterns" to manipulate customers into Prime subscriptions and complicating the cancellation process [5][6] - The lawsuit claimed violations of Section 5 of the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act [5] Settlement Details - The settlement applies to customers who enrolled in Amazon Prime between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025, particularly those who used "challenged enrollment flows" [7] - Specific enrollment pages were identified, and claimants must not have used more than 10 Prime benefits in any 12-month period to qualify for payouts [7] Payout Process - Eligible customers who signed up through challenged processes and used three or fewer Prime benefits will receive automatic payments within 90 days [8] - Other eligible customers must file claims, and Amazon is required to notify them within 30 days of automatic payments [8] Payment Amounts - Payouts to eligible claimants will be capped at $51, which may be reduced based on the number of Prime benefits used [9]
Amazon Agrees to Pay $2.5 Billion to Settle Lawsuit Claiming It 'Tricked' Customers to Join Prime
CNET· 2025-09-25 19:54
Core Viewpoint - Amazon has agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of misleading practices related to its Prime subscription service, which included making it difficult for users to cancel their subscriptions [1][3]. Group 1: Settlement Details - The settlement includes $1.5 billion allocated to a fund for repaying eligible subscribers and $1 billion as a civil penalty [1]. - Amazon is required to implement a "clear and conspicuous" option for customers to decline Prime during the checkout process and to simplify the cancellation procedure [1][3]. Group 2: Legal Context - The FTC accused Amazon of employing "dark patterns" to manipulate consumers into subscribing to Prime and complicating the cancellation process, which violated Section 5 of the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act [3][4]. - The trial was set to begin but concluded with this settlement, marking one of the largest consumer protection settlements in U.S. history [4]. Group 3: Company Response - Amazon maintains that it has always complied with the law and views the settlement as a means to move forward and focus on customer innovation [2]. - The company emphasizes its efforts to make the sign-up and cancellation processes clear and simple for customers [2].
Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Streaming Service Subscriptions Are About to Cost More
CNET· 2025-09-23 19:58
Core Insights - Disney is implementing a new round of price hikes for its streaming services effective October 21, 2025, following a previous increase in October 2024 [1][2] - The price changes will affect standalone subscriptions for Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN, bundles, and Hulu Plus Live TV [1][2] Pricing Changes - Legacy subscribers of the Disney Plus Premium, Hulu, ESPN Select bundle will see their monthly fee increase from $22 to $25, while the Hulu Plus Live TV legacy plan will rise from $88 to $95 [3] - Certain subscriptions, such as Hulu's ad-free plan and the ad-free Disney Duo bundle, will not see price increases [3] New Monthly Pricing Breakdown - Disney Plus with Ads: $12 - Disney Plus without Ads: $19 - Hulu with Ads: $12 - ESPN Select with Ads: $13 - Disney Plus and Hulu bundle: $11 - Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Select bundle: $20 (without Ads: $30) - Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle: $20 (without Ads: $33) - Hulu Plus Live TV (with Disney Plus, ESPN Select): $90 (without Ads: $100) - Hulu Plus Live TV only: $89 [5] Market Context - With these changes, Disney's on-demand streaming services will align more closely with competitors like Peacock, Apple TV Plus, and HBO Max, while its live TV service will be priced higher than YouTube TV and comparable to traditional cable packages [5]
Nvidia Invests in OpenAI With $100 Billion to Build Out More AI Data Centers
CNET· 2025-09-23 13:47
Core Insights - OpenAI and Nvidia have formed a significant partnership, with Nvidia committing to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI and providing the necessary computing power for future AI models [1][2][4] - The partnership includes the deployment of at least 10 gigawatts of Nvidia systems for AI data centers, with the first phase of 1 gigawatt set for the second half of 2026 [2][5] - This collaboration positions Nvidia not just as a supplier but as a key player in the AI sector, potentially influencing the pace and nature of AI advancements [5] Group 1 - The partnership is described as the largest AI infrastructure project in history, highlighting its potential impact on the AI landscape [5] - OpenAI's CEO emphasized the importance of compute infrastructure for future economic development and AI breakthroughs [4] - The deal aims to secure a long-term supply of Nvidia hardware, enabling OpenAI to compete effectively with other major players in the AI field [4][5] Group 2 - OpenAI is currently utilizing Nvidia systems in its Stargate I data center, which is under construction in Abilene, Texas [6] - The gradual investment from Nvidia will increase as new systems are deployed, indicating a long-term commitment to the partnership [2][5] - The completion of this deal could significantly affect the accessibility and capabilities of AI models developed by OpenAI in the future [5]
Nvidia Invests in OpenAI With $100 Billion AI Infrastructure Deal
CNET· 2025-09-22 21:55
Core Insights - OpenAI and Nvidia have formed a significant partnership, with Nvidia committing to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI and providing the necessary computing power for future model development [1][2] - The partnership includes the deployment of at least 10 gigawatts of Nvidia systems, with the first phase of 1 gigawatt set for the second half of 2026 [2] - OpenAI aims to leverage this partnership to maintain competitiveness against other major AI players like Google, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Meta [4] Group 1 - Nvidia's investment will scale with the deployment of new systems, positioning it as a central player in the AI industry [2][5] - OpenAI's CEO emphasized the importance of compute infrastructure for future economic development and AI breakthroughs [4] - The long-term nature of this partnership could significantly influence the pace of AI advancements and the accessibility of OpenAI's models globally [5]
T-Mobile's Mike Sievert to Become Un-CEO: Srini Gopalan Takes Over Nov. 1
CNET· 2025-09-22 20:43
Core Insights - T-Mobile's CEO Mike Sievert will step down on November 1, 2025, and will be succeeded by COO Srini Gopalan, while Sievert will remain as vice chairman and on the board of directors [1][2][3] Company Performance - T-Mobile is experiencing significant success in the mobile marketplace, recently named the Best Mobile Network in the US by Ookla, and reported record growth with over 130 million customers [3][10] - The company announced it will be the official telecommunications services provider for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles [3] Leadership Transition - The leadership change is seen as a planned succession rather than a response to issues within the company, with Sievert indicating that the timing is strategic, occurring during a period of strong performance [2][8] - Gopalan was recruited with the succession plan in mind, having served as COO for only six months prior to his promotion [6][7] Industry Context - The transition occurs amid a softening economy and regulatory pressures on telecommunications companies, which Gopalan will need to navigate [2] - The recent management changes at T-Mobile, including the departures of other key leaders, may lead to a loss of institutional knowledge, although replacements are from within the company [11][12]