This Week in Tech 1093: California Sober

What happens when China drops open-weight AI models that rival Silicon Valley's best? This episode unpacks how a new wave of international AI releases is shaking up business, policy, and the future of innovation.

• Linus Torvalds to critics of AI coding in Linux: "Fork it. Or just walk away."
• Claude on X: "Beginning July 20, Claude Fable 5 will be included in all Max and Team Premium plans, at 50% of limits. Pro and Team Standard users will continue to have access to Fable via usage credits, and will receive a one-time $100 credit. Demand for Fable has been challenging to"
• China's Moonshot AI Unveils Kimi Model, Threatening America's Lead
• Alibaba's Qwen Unveils Preview of Flagship AI Model
• Social media limits are coming for teens across Europe
• The White House is now deciding who gets access to frontier AI models, not the labs
• Microsoft chief turns hostile on frontier AI labs, warns companies to guard their IP
• Meta Is Flooding the Market With Smartglasses. Privacy Advocates Are Up in Arms.
• Federal employees can download TikTok on government devices, DOJ says
• Amazon Web Services customers receive bills for up to $1.5tn after global glitch
• MLB cracks down on using AI via dugout iPads to help shape in-game decisions
• White House Teleprompter Operator Bet on Trump Speeches, Kalshi Says
• New York school district is testing lifelike robot teachers

Host: Leo Laporte

Guests: Harper Reed and Alex Wilhelm

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