Sal Rodriguez 🕷️
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sal19.bsky.social
Sal Rodriguez 🕷️
@sal19.bsky.social
2K followers 120 following 170 posts
@CNBC Deputy Tech Editor. Previously: @WSJ reporter covering Meta.

DMs open
Signal: 281-409-3516 sal.rodriguez@nbcuni.com
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sal19.bsky.social
You can now take Waymos on freeways in SF, LA and PHX www.cnbc.com/2025/11/12/w... by @jennelias.bsky.social & @lorak.bsky.social
Waymo begins offering freeway robotaxi rides in San Francisco, LA and Phoenix
The Google sister company has been testing robotaxi freeway rides with employees for more than a year.
www.cnbc.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:37 PM
sal19.bsky.social
I recently had the opportunity to interview Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, and he told me he believes only biological beings are capable of consciousness.

Here’s my latest for CNBC: www.cnbc.com/2025/11/02/m...
Microsoft AI chief says only biological beings can be conscious
Mustafa Suleyman has become one of the most influential voices in tech to come out against building seemingly conscious AI.
www.cnbc.com
November 2, 2025 at 3:46 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Meta has been paying creators to populate its Vibes feed of AI-generated video www.cnbc.com/2025/10/28/m... by @vancityreynolds.bsky.social & @zachvallese.bsky.social
Meta's AI app has seen growth soar since launch of Vibes, but trails OpenAI's Sora
The Meta AI app has seen a major jolt in downloads since the company launched Vibes and began paying creators to make AI-generated videos.
www.cnbc.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM
sal19.bsky.social
A philosophical divide on how to build AI chatbots is emerging among tech heavy weights -- those willing to indulge AI erotica & seemingly conscious AI (OpenAI) & those against it (Microsoft)

Here's my latest for CNBC: www.cnbc.com/2025/10/23/m...
Microsoft AI chief says company won’t build chatbots for erotica
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman said the software company won't build erotica AI services, the latest break with rival-partner OpenAI.
www.cnbc.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:29 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Just two days after Toronto denied the Mariners a World Series appearance, Seattle-based Amazon has announced a new robotics system called... Blue Jay www.cnbc.com/2025/10/22/a... by @anniepalmer.bsky.social
Amazon introduces 'Blue Jay' warehouse robot that performs multiple tasks at once
The robotics system is called Blue Jay, and Amazon said it's already being deployed in one of its South Carolina warehouses.
www.cnbc.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM
sal19.bsky.social
How Google shifted from a bastion of accurate information to a steward of free expression www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/h...

Excellent news analysis by @jennelias.bsky.social
How Google shifted from a bastion of accurate information to a steward of free expression
After years of rolling out features designed to provide users with factual and accurate information, Google is now touting its commitment to "free expression."
www.cnbc.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:36 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Amazon reaches $2.5 billion settlement with FTC over ‘deceptive’ Prime program www.cnbc.com/2025/09/25/a... by @anniepalmer.bsky.social
Amazon reaches $2.5 billion settlement with FTC over 'deceptive' Prime program
www.cnbc.com
September 25, 2025 at 3:22 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Nvidia just spent over $900 million to hire Enfabrica CEO, license AI startup’s technology www.cnbc.com/2025/09/18/n... Scoop by @lorak.bsky.social @jordannovet.bsky.social & @kif.bsky.social
Nvidia just spent over $900 million to hire Enfabrica CEO, license AI startup's technology
In a deal reminiscent of acquihires by Meta and Google, Nvidia hired Enfabrica's CEO and other employees of the startup, and licensed its technology.
www.cnbc.com
September 18, 2025 at 10:38 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Another good one from @ashleycapoot.cnbc.com: Alphabet’s Verily covered up HIPAA violations, whistleblower says in lawsuit www.cnbc.com/2025/09/11/a...
Alphabet's Verily covered up HIPAA violations, whistleblower says in lawsuit
Verily hired Sloan in 2020 to serve as the chief commercial officer of its diabetes and hypertension business, Onduo.
www.cnbc.com
September 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI, xAI & Snap face FTC probe over AI chatbot safety for kids www.cnbc.com/2025/09/11/a... by @ashleycapoot.cnbc.com

This probe comes after reports of humans falling in love with AI companions. Here's my piece on the subject from last month: www.cnbc.com/2025/08/01/h...
Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI, xAI and Snap face FTC probe over AI chatbot safety for kids
The Federal Trade Commission is issuing orders to seven companies to understand how their AI chatbots potentially negatively affect kids and teenagers.
www.cnbc.com
September 11, 2025 at 3:52 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Zoox today launched its service to the public in Las Vegas, marking the start of the robotaxi race between Amazon & Alphabet, which owns Waymo.

We got to do an early ride of Zoox's service, which you can watch here www.cnbc.com/2025/09/10/a... with @anniepalmer.bsky.social & @jeniecep.bsky.social
Amazon's Zoox jumps into U.S. robotaxi race with Las Vegas launch
Amazon's Zoox robotaxi unit is offering free rides in Las Vegas from a few locations, with plans to expand in the city.
www.cnbc.com
September 10, 2025 at 2:10 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Quite the busy one today with our coverage of Apple's iPhone event and editing for a big piece we've got coming tomorrow, but I wanted to note it's been one year since my return to CNBC. So happy I came back and took the leap to editing (while still getting to keep reporting!) 🎉
September 9, 2025 at 7:51 PM
sal19.bsky.social
You can tune in to follow our live coverage of Apple's iPhone event right here www.cnbc.com/2025/09/09/l...
Apple event live updates: New iPhone 17 release expected today
Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team are set to unveil the iPhone 17 line of devices, Apple Watches, new AirPods Pro, and the release date for iOS 26.
www.cnbc.com
September 9, 2025 at 4:36 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Google gets to keep Chrome but is barred from exclusive search deals, judge rules www.cnbc.com/2025/09/02/g... by @jennelias.bsky.social
Google gets to keep Chrome but is barred from exclusive search deals, judge rules
The ruling comes nearly a year after a U.S. judge ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly in its core market of internet search.
www.cnbc.com
September 2, 2025 at 8:50 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Here's the latest chatter inside of Google: Search giant has eliminated 35% of managers overseeing small teams in past year, exec says

www.cnbc.com/2025/08/27/g...

Scoop by @jennelias.bsky.social
Google has eliminated 35% of managers overseeing small teams in past year, exec says
In Google's continuing effort to run more efficiently, the company has been getting rid of managers who oversee fewer than three people.
www.cnbc.com
August 27, 2025 at 6:06 PM
sal19.bsky.social
OpenAI says it plans ChatGPT changes after lawsuit blamed chatbot for teen’s suicide www.cnbc.com/2025/08/26/o... with @lorak.bsky.social
OpenAI says it plans ChatGPT changes after lawsuit blamed chatbot for teen's suicide
OpenAI disclosed plans to improve ChatGPT safety for users expressing “suicidal intent.”
www.cnbc.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:21 PM
sal19.bsky.social
NEW on Meta: CNBC has extensive details on the company's upcoming Hypernova device, its first consumer-ready glasses with a display, and its accompanying neural-tech wristband

www.cnbc.com/2025/08/22/m...

with @lorak.bsky.social & @jonathanvanian.bsky.social
Meta set to unveil first consumer-ready smart glasses with a display, wristband next month
Meta's glasses are codenamed Hypernova and will include a small display in the right lens of the device, people familiar with the matter told CNBC.
www.cnbc.com
August 22, 2025 at 8:32 PM
sal19.bsky.social
More foldable phones, this time from Google www.cnbc.com/2025/08/20/g... by @jennelias.bsky.social & @kif.bsky.social
Google announces its AI-powered Pixel 10 smartphone series
The newest series prominently feature the Gemini assistant as AI increasingly becomes the battleground where device companies compete.
www.cnbc.com
August 20, 2025 at 6:46 PM
sal19.bsky.social
The latest M&A tactics in tech have turned AI startups into something resembling zombies. Here’s my latest: www.cnbc.com/2025/08/19/h...
with @ashleycapoot.cnbc.com & @anniepalmer.bsky.social
Silicon Valley's AI deals are creating zombie startups: 'You hollowed out the organization'
Unable to make big AI purchases because of regulatory hurdles, tech giants have spent billions to buy top talent from startups, leaving behind shell companies.
www.cnbc.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:28 PM
sal19.bsky.social
Google's Chrome browser might actually be worth as much as $50 billion www.cnbc.com/2025/08/13/g... the latest from @jennelias.bsky.social & @mackenziesigalos.bsky.social
Google faces loss of Chrome as Perplexity bid adds drama to looming breakup decision
Perplexity AI's offer of $34.5 billion for Google's Chrome browser is a lot lower than where some analysts value the business.
www.cnbc.com
August 13, 2025 at 9:59 PM
sal19.bsky.social
How Tim Cook convinced Trump to drop made-in-USA iPhone — for now www.cnbc.com/2025/08/07/a... by @kif.bsky.social
www.cnbc.com
August 7, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Reposted by Sal Rodriguez 🕷️
jennelias.bsky.social
Incredible piece by @sal19.bsky.social, who takes you deep into the stories of people who have AI companions. Human-AI relationships are perhaps, more common than you may think. cnb.cx/4ms9l1j
'What am I falling in love with?' Human-AI relationships are no longer just science fiction
Since ChatGPT’s late 2022 launch, everyday people have formed emotional connections to chatbots, describing them as deep friendships and even life partnerships.
cnb.cx
August 1, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Reposted by Sal Rodriguez 🕷️
dannygroner.bsky.social
“He owns his own wholesale lighting business and is on the phone throughout the day with clients. He has a stepdaughter and niece he communicates with, but otherwise he generally keeps to himself. Even when he was married, he and his wife weren’t terribly social and didn’t have many friends.”
sal19.bsky.social Sal Rodriguez 🕷️ @sal19.bsky.social · Aug 1
Do you think AI can fall in love?

Over the past 6 months, I traveled across the U.S. to interview people who’ve formed emotional relationships with chatbots. These AI companions serve as friends and romantic partners. Here is what I found www.cnbc.com/2025/08/01/h...
'What am I falling in love with?' Human-AI relationships are no longer just science fiction
Since ChatGPT’s late 2022 launch, everyday people have formed emotional connections to chatbots, describing them as deep friendships and even life partnerships.
www.cnbc.com
August 1, 2025 at 11:17 AM
sal19.bsky.social
Do you think AI can fall in love?

Over the past 6 months, I traveled across the U.S. to interview people who’ve formed emotional relationships with chatbots. These AI companions serve as friends and romantic partners. Here is what I found www.cnbc.com/2025/08/01/h...
'What am I falling in love with?' Human-AI relationships are no longer just science fiction
Since ChatGPT’s late 2022 launch, everyday people have formed emotional connections to chatbots, describing them as deep friendships and even life partnerships.
www.cnbc.com
August 1, 2025 at 11:07 AM
sal19.bsky.social
Usually when Meta copies others in tech, it works out quite well, but when it chose to follow in DeepSeek's footsteps, the move backfired. Since then, Zuckerberg has had to spend billions to overhaul his AI strategy.

Here's @jonathanvanian.bsky.social with his latest www.cnbc.com/2025/07/29/m...
Meta's AI spending spree is Wall Street's focus in second-quarter earnings
Meta investors will be scrutinizing CEO Mark Zuckerberg's AI hiring blitz during the company's second-quarter earnings on Wednesday.
www.cnbc.com
July 29, 2025 at 4:25 PM