WSJ Tech News Briefing: "Better Batteries Could Soon Come to a Phone Near You"
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Victoria Craig
Author: The Wall Street Journal
1. The Quest for Longer-Lasting Batteries
Victoria Craig opens the episode by addressing a common frustration among smartphone users: batteries that don't last the entire day. She introduces the promising advancement of solid-state batteries, which could potentially eliminate the need for carrying multiple chargers and cables. Craig sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on the hurdles and breakthroughs in solid-state battery technology.
2. The Challenges and Innovations in Solid-State Batteries
Guest: Christopher Mims, WSJ Tech Columnist and Co-host of the Bold Names Podcast
Timestamp: [01:30]
Christopher Mims describes solid-state batteries as the "holy grail" of battery technology, highlighting their potential for faster charging and higher energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, he points out significant challenges:
"The problem is that as the lithium ions moving around in a solid-state battery do their thing, they actually make the battery expand and contract. It breathes and the battery will just crack itself apart or it has to be in this crazy metal enclosure to keep it from expanding and contracting too much." (01:30)
Mims explains that the solid structure causes physical stress, unlike the gel-like electrolyte in conventional batteries that accommodates ion movement without expanding or contracting.
Breakthrough by Ion:
Timestamp: [02:20]
Mims discusses Ion’s innovative approach to solid-state batteries:
"They borrowed technology from fuel cells... put this elegant ceramic, like the ceramic in your coffee mug, and it's full of tiny holes where the lithium ions can hang out as they're moving back and forth between the two poles of a battery." (02:20)
Ion's design uses a ceramic matrix that mitigates the expansion and contraction issue, maintaining stability without requiring new manufacturing facilities. This allows for the integration of solid-state batteries into existing production lines for lithium-ion batteries.
Real-World Performance:
Timestamp: [03:33]
Discussing real-world applications, Mims shares that Ion has shipped test batches to major consumer electronics companies and the Department of Defense (DoD):
"The Department of Defense found that across many charge and discharge cycles, these batteries held up... the DOD said we got these batteries, they worked as promised." (03:33)
The DoD’s positive feedback underscores the reliability and durability of Ion's solid-state batteries under rigorous testing conditions.
Potential Impact on Consumer Electronics:
Timestamp: [04:18]
Mims elaborates on the implications for everyday technology:
"You could have your smartphone last 50% longer, or you could have things like smart glasses which last all day long." (04:18)
With Ion already producing batteries and undergoing testing, the introduction of solid-state batteries into consumer products is anticipated within the next 18 months to two years, potentially revolutionizing battery life in smartphones and other portable devices.
3. The Future of Enterprise AI
Speaker: Hrithika Gunner, IBM’s General Manager for Data and AI
Timestamp: [05:35]
Gunner discusses the integration of generative AI in handling unstructured data within enterprises:
"Generative AI has allowed us to unlock the opportunity to be able to take the 90% of data that is buried in unstructured formats... which is essential for organizations as we go forward." (05:35)
She emphasizes the importance of defining AI data strategies, enforcing privacy and security policies, and continuously updating AI governance to build trustworthy and effective AI solutions.
4. Rising Threats in Tech Support: Hackers Exploiting Call Centers
Reporter: Robert McMillan, WSJ Computer Security Reporter
Timestamp: [06:30]
Robert McMillan sheds light on a growing cybersecurity threat where hackers exploit call centers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information:
"Hackers are weaponizing tech support... pretending to be employees of companies they don't actually work for." (06:30)
Mechanism of the Attack:
- Social Engineering: Hackers impersonate high-level executives to trick call center employees into granting access to company networks.
- Bribery: Employees are bribed to provide sensitive information such as account numbers and Social Security numbers.
Impact on Companies and Customers:
In the case of Coinbase, hackers obtained sensitive customer information by bribing call center employees, leading to significant financial losses through fraudulent activities. Customers receive deceptive calls claiming to be from Coinbase security, prompting them to take urgent actions that result in financial loss.
Preventative Measures:
McMillan advises customers to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any unsolicited communications:
"If you're ever doing anything related to cryptocurrency in a panic, you need to stop and really think very hard about what you're doing and why you're doing it." (09:30)
He recommends:
- Conducting independent verification of the entity's contact information.
- Avoiding sharing sensitive information over unsolicited calls.
- Contacting the official company directly to confirm any security concerns.
Company Response:
Coinbase has implemented measures such as relocating operations to the US, securing call center computers, and discontinuing partnerships with vulnerable call centers to mitigate these threats.
Conclusion
This episode of WSJ Tech News Briefing delves into groundbreaking advancements in battery technology with solid-state batteries poised to enhance battery life significantly. Concurrently, it highlights critical cybersecurity challenges where hackers exploit tech support systems, emphasizing the need for robust security measures and vigilant consumer behavior. Additionally, the role of AI in managing unstructured data underscores the evolving landscape of enterprise technology.
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