Podcast Summary: Daily Tech Headlines

Episode: Uber, Baidu To Launch Fully Autonomous Ride-Hailing in Dubai – DTH
Hosts: Sarah Lane
Date: February 11, 2026

Episode Overview

This edition of Daily Tech Headlines delivers fast-paced updates on essential tech developments, highlighting Uber and Baidu's imminent launch of fully autonomous ride-hailing in Dubai. Other major headlines include T-Mobile’s network-wide live translation, Meta and social platforms’ teen safety ratings, TikTok’s new local feed, Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, UK medical union concerns over Palantir, a Dutch investigation into Nexperia, and Apple’s new subscription tier for its productivity apps.

Key Headlines and Insights

1. Uber & Baidu’s Fully Autonomous Ride-Hailing Launch in Dubai

[05:02 – 05:54]

• Details:
  • Uber and Baidu will launch fully autonomous ride-hailing next month in select Jumeirah areas, Dubai.
  • Riders can summon Baidu’s Apollo Go robo taxis using the Uber app.
  • Expansion to more areas is contingent on regulatory approval.
  • The initiative is part of a broader Uber-Baidu partnership to deploy thousands of Apollo Go vehicles internationally.
  • Baidu claims Apollo Go has completed over 17 million rides across 22 cities.

Quote:

“Uber and Baidu will launch fully autonomous ride hailing in Dubai next month, starting in select areas of Jumeirah. Riders can choose Baidu's Apollo Go robo taxis through the Uber app, with expansion planned pending regulatory approval.”
— Sarah Lane [05:04]

2. T-Mobile’s Network-Level Live Translation

[02:07 – 02:35]

• Announcement:
  • T-Mobile is launching a beta for live, AI-powered translation of phone calls in over 50 languages.
  • Runs at the network level, compatible with most devices using VoLTE, VoNR, or VoWiFi.
  • Beta users can activate this feature by dialing *#87.
  • The service is free during beta with undetermined future charges.

Quote:

“Because it runs at the network level, it works on most devices, including older phones, as long as the call uses VoLTE, VoNR or VoWiFi.”
— Sarah Lane [02:18]

3. Social Platforms Agree to New Teen Safety Ratings

[02:35 – 02:58]

• Participants:
  • Meta, TikTok, Snap, Discord, YouTube, Pinterest, Roblox, and Twitch.
• Details:
  • Platforms will be evaluated by the Mental Health Coalition’s new teen safety rating system.
  • Assesses safety rules, design, moderation, and mental health resources.
  • Ratings range from a top-performing blue shield badge to red for weak performance.

4. TikTok Rolls Out Local Feed in the US

[02:58 – 03:24]

• Features:
  • New feed shows restaurants, events, shopping, travel, and news based on precise location data.
  • Available to users 18+ and off by default.
  • Tied to a terms update allowing more accurate location info collection.
  • Meant to boost connections with local businesses (7.5 million are on the platform globally).

5. Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Announced

[03:24 – 03:43]

• Details:
  • Next event is February 25th in San Francisco.
  • Expected releases: Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, featuring upgraded chips, cameras, and AI.
  • Pre-order bonuses: $30 credit, up to $900 in trade-in savings.

6. UK Medical Union Calls to Drop Palantir in NHS

[03:43 – 04:14]

• Summary:
  • British Medical Association urges 200,000+ doctors to shun NHS’s Palantir-built Federated Data Platform (non-clinically).
  • Concerns: Palantir’s US government ties and patient trust issues.
  • Palantir: Says software supports public services; NHS: Asserts continued data control.

7. Dutch Court Orders Probe into Nexperia

[04:14 – 04:52]

• Situation:
  • Investigation into “alleged mismanagement” at Chinese-owned semiconductor firm Nexperia.
  • CEO suspended amid long-running dispute over US export controls and European security.
  • Industry impact: Disrupted supply chains, tensions between European managers and Chinese parent (Wingtech).

8. Apple Launches $12.99/Month Creator Studio Subscription

[04:52 – 05:22]

• Overview:
  • Adds AI features and premium content to Keynote, Pages, Numbers, and Freeform.
  • Base apps remain free; upgrade prompts now appear.
  • User backlash over advertising/subscription concerns.

Quote:

“Some folks complaining that ads and subscriptions in Apple's productivity suite feel like a shift toward a more bloatware model.”
— Sarah Lane [05:20]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Uber pushes deeper into the Robotaxi markets. Baidu says Apollo Go has completed more than 17 million rides across 22 cities.” — Sarah Lane [05:47]
• “Base apps are still free, but users now see upgrade prompts for the paid features…” — Sarah Lane [05:10]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |---------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 02:07 | T-Mobile network-level live translation | | 02:35 | Social media teen safety ratings | | 02:58 | TikTok local feed | | 03:24 | Samsung Galaxy Unpacked announcement | | 03:43 | Palantir in NHS: UK medical union opposition | | 04:14 | Dutch court probe into Nexperia | | 04:52 | Apple’s Creator Studio subscription | | 05:02 | Uber/Baidu autonomous ride-hailing in Dubai (headline) |

Tone and Delivery

Sarah Lane delivers the headlines with clear brevity and professionalism, focusing on concise yet informative updates. The language remains neutral and fact-based, with occasional acknowledgment of public sentiment or controversy (notably on Apple’s app changes).

This summary presents the episode’s key developments, making it easy to grasp the current state of daily tech news even if you missed the audio.